March 7, 2002

BRAZIL AND IDB SIGN LETTER OF INTENT TO PROMOTE DIVERSITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION US$5 million in financing may be available for program

FORTALEZA, Brazil – Brazil’s Education Minister Paulo Renato Souza and Inter-American Development Bank President Enrique V. Iglesias signed a letter of intent today pledging to support a program that will promote diversity in higher education.

Planning Minister Martus Tavares participated in the event as a witness of honor.
During the ceremony the two officials reiterated their desire to move ahead with the program, which could receive financing of up to $5 million from the IDB, pending approval of such a proposal by the Bank’s Board of Executive directors.

Brazils Planning Ministry would coordinate the program, which could include the undertaking of studies and research and the designing of instruments to formulate social inclusion strategies, the institutional strengthening of the ministry, training and technical assistance to professors and support for innovative projects that promote greater access to higher education by underprivileged groups, such as persons of African and indigenous descent.