President of the Brazil Africa Institute speaks at the Hili–Latin America Dialogue in Rio de Janeiro

Last Tuesday, July 8, João Bosco Monte, founder and president of the Brazil Africa Institute, was among the invited speakers at the inaugural Hili–Latin America Dialogue held in Rio de Janeiro. Organized by the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), in partnership with Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV), the regional HiliForum gathering focused on the theme “UAE–Latin America Ties: Promising Pathways.”

The event aimed to deepen strategic dialogue between the United Arab Emirates and Latin America, with an emphasis on South–South cooperation, technological innovation, green transitions, and trade connectivity. This first regional edition in Rio marked the Forum’s expansion into Latin America, bringing together leading experts from both regions.

João Bosco Monte spoke on Panel 3, “From Issues to Action: Enabling Connectivity Through Infrastructure and Port Development,” highlighting the key role of logistics and physical integration in boosting trade, connectivity, and competitiveness across regions. The discussion addressed major challenges and opportunities for modernizing port infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and cross-border coordination, as well as financing strategies to accelerate large-scale infrastructure investments in emerging markets.

The president of the Brazil Africa Institute stressed the importance of international cooperation to strengthen logistical chains and build resilient infrastructure — critical elements for advancing sustainable economic growth among Brazil, Africa, the UAE, and other countries of the Global South.