CIFAL Curitiba
5 November 2025, Curitiba, Brazil – The International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders (CIFAL) in Curitiba, Brazil, and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) have renewed their cooperation agreement to strengthen their long-standing alliance in promoting sustainable development and capacity-building across the regional, national, and continental levels.
Hosted by the Federation of Industries of the State of Paraná (FIEP System), CIFAL Curitiba has been part of the CIFAL Global Network since 2009. The centre plays a key role in equipping decision-makers and institutions with the knowledge and tools needed to foster sustainable urban and industrial development with a strong focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
CIFAL Curitiba
The renewal ceremony took place on 25 October 2025 at the Campus da Indústria in Curitiba, where the new three-year agreement was signed by Mr Edson Vasconcelos, President of the FIEP System, and Mr Alex Mejia, Director of the UNITAR Division for People and Social Development and Head of the CIFAL Global Network.
This moment is very important to me. Through my many years leading the CGN, I have been witness to the value of the FIEP System as a champion of decentralised cooperation for the betterment of social development for all. I especially commend the president and director for their commitment to promoting exemplary capacity building solutions to promote the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda,
said Mr Mejia.
The renewed partnership reaffirms both institutions’ commitment to advancing the SDGs through technical cooperation, training programmes, and international dialogue. CIFAL Curitiba will continue to serve as a hub for knowledge exchange on sustainable urban development, economic and social growth, environmental management, and industrial innovation.
In addition to the signing ceremony, discussions were held on new opportunities for joint initiatives that could further contribute to the sustainable development and internationalisation of Paraná’s industrial sector. Mr Mejia was also briefed on regional mobilisation efforts, led by the production sector in collaboration with the state government to advocate for Paraná’s recognition as a low environmental risk territory under internationally recognised frameworks.
During his visit to Curitiba, Mr Mejia toured several of FIEP System’s innovation and education facilities, including programmes focused on professional training, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability, highlighting the strong integration between industry and sustainable development in the state.
CIFAL Curitiba
CIFAL Curitiba