UW-Madison announces Brazil Initiative

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Brazil Initiative will bring faculty and alumni together with private foundations, Wisconsin businesses and state agencies to help the state better understand and engage with this emerging global economy.

It follows the success of the China and India initiatives, launched in 2006 and 2007, respectively. The launch coincides with the conference “Nabuco and Madison: A Centennial Celebration” and is open to the public.

When the family of Joaquim Nabuco, Brazil’s first ambassador to the U.S., heard that UW–Madison was hosting a conference in his honor, they were pleased to be invited to participate. When they heard mention of the fledgling UW–Madison Brazil Initiative, they gave it a generous push forward.

In 1909, Nabuco (1849-1910) authored the UW–Madison commencement speech “The Share of American in Civilization,” widely regarded as one of his most important essays regarding diplomacy and international relations. Nabuco was an abolitionist, a pacifist and an influential intellectual. He passed away shortly after penning the address.

“Understanding our world’s emerging powers is essential to the success of our state and our nation,” says Gilles Bousquet, dean of the Division of International Studies. “Universities have a unique capacity, through scholarship and partnerships, to aid the state in this way.”

The launch of the Brazil Initiative will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 24, at UW–Madison’s Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St. Speaking at the launch will be Ambassador João Almino, consul general of Brazil in Chicago.

The conference proceedings will follow a reception that evening and continue through Saturday, April 25.