The urban development arm of the Brazilian state of Paraná, Paranacidades, has recently formalised a partnership with the UN Global Compact – Cities Programme which should result in a substantial increase in numbers of municipalities in Paraná actively engaged with the SDGs and New Urban Agenda.

The new partnership was marked by a meeting with the Secretary for Urban Development (SEDU) and Superintendent of Paranacidades, Ratinho Junior and other leaders of Paranacidades and SEDU, followed by a public MOU signing and a seminar on the the Sustainable Development Goals and New Urban Agenda for technical staff and other government leaders.

Paranacidades is an autonomous social service connected to the Paraná government that delivers infrastructure services and supports municipal plan development and capacity development to the 399 municipalities of the Paraná state.

The Secretary Ratinho Junior made an ambitious commitment with this agreement.

“In four years, we will implement the UN Global Compact in 80% of the 399 municipalities of Paraná.”

The organisation is an important player in municipal development. With the partnership, through its engagement with the UN Global Compact and Cities Programme and its systems and tools, Paranacidades are planning to take leadership with engaging the Paraná municipalities with the Sustainable Development Goals and New Urban Agenda.

We warmly welcome this partnership which shows great promise and thank Paranacidades and the Paraná Secretary for Urban Development for their interest, initiative and leadership. Thank you also to our Country Contact Point, Rosane de Souza.