This post was written by Hatchet reporter Shahzeb Mirza.
Brazil’s ambassador affirmed that his country would take a more proactive role in safeguarding peace and justice across the world during an on-campus speech Thursday.
Mauro Vieira, the Brazilian ambassador to the U.S., told listeners at the Elliott School of International Affairs to keep an eye on the rising global economic and political power, which he expects to increasingly attract international attention.
Vieira, who previously served as Brazil’s ambassador to Argentina until 2010, said the Brazilian government aims to become a leader in promoting human rights, non-interventionist policies and cooperation. Brazil is also looking to deepen diplomatic ties with other emerging powers.
He said the country is focusing on anti-terrorism efforts in cooperation with its allies, including South American neighbors and the U.S.
As Brazil’s economy has grown over the last two decades, Vieira said the government has managed to alleviate inequality and narrow the gap between men and women.
“I don’t think there is any imbalance between genders in our country,” Vieira said, adding that women increasingly play active roles in both the public and private sectors.
The ambassador said enthusiasm is beginning to peak among the Brazilian public for the World Cup in June, and excitement is building for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. He added that both events promise to further boost Brazil’s economy, which already benefits from strong trade and investment.
The event was sponsored by GW’s Brazil Initiative, which launched last fall to expand courses and research on Brazil. An anonymous donor gave $500,000 to the University to establish the initiative.