Event was marked by speeches reinforcing Fundo Vale’s core goal of forming a strong coalition of partners committed to building a more sustainable, fairer and more inclusive future
It’s good to periodically revisit the past in order to recognize how far we’ve come. Reviewing each stage can inspire us and give us more energy for the present and future. On November 4, Fundo Vale brought together employees and partners to celebrate 15 years of working with the positive social and environmental impact ecosystem. The purpose was to pay tribute to everyone who has been part of this story.
The participants looked back on Fundo Vale’s main milestones and celebrated the numbers achieved. There were also many opportunities for the team members and organizations present to mingle and network. See Fundo Vale’s timeline here.
The event took place at the Portuguese Language Museum in São Paulo, which hosted animated video installations and projections showing images and words that express Fundo Vale’s values and pillars of action.
The meeting was also an opportunity to reflect on the future. Divided into four groups, the guests discussed Fundo Vale’s role in the impact ecosystem and priorities for the future of partner organizations that are at the forefront of building a more sustainable, fairer and more inclusive economy.
Celebration of results
In 15 years, Fundo Vale has achieved some significant results. It has allocated R$391.3 million of financial resources and R$37.4 million of non-financial support to various initiatives. On average, 28,500 people have benefited each year since 2020. As of September 2024, Fundo Vale’s support was responsible for restoring 15,159 hectares of land through sustainable systems. These actions extend across 16 Brazilian states and cover five biomes. In total, 43 production chains and segments have been strengthened by the supported initiatives.
All these results were only possible thanks to the collaboration of 89 partners in the impact ecosystem, in addition to the important partnerships that Fundo Vale has with the Vale Institute of Technology and Vale Natural Reserve. In these 15 years, it has been possible to support 340 impact enterprises, 143 initiatives and 35 catalyst organizations. Fundo Vale has also participated in nine networks and alliances focused on positive social and environmental impact.
“You are fundamental. We could have come up with countless ideas, but without you by our side, nothing would have worked. Congratulations for believing and making things happen. You are proof that the world can be transformed,” said Malu Paiva, Vale’s vice president for sustainability, thanking the partners and collaborators present.
See some remarks made during the celebrations.
“I’m very happy to be here to celebrate this very special moment, when we remain firm and active in our commitment to sustainability, despite the anti-ESG and anti-woke movements we’ve seen in the market. We have a purpose, which is to make sustainability a stakeholder in companies’ strategies.”
Rachel Maia, sustainability advisor to Vale and president of the UN Global Compact Council in Brazil
“Today was a day of recognition for all the value delivered, all our integration, all the bond-building, all the trust that has been established between these diverse civil society players related to socioeconomic issues, forest protection and forest restoration in Brazil.”
Hugo Barreto, president of Fundo Vale
“Fundo Vale has experienced both highs and lows, periods of belief and doubt, but reaching our 15th anniversary and celebrating this milestone today at the Portuguese Language Museum with the whole team, with all our partners and with representatives of our sponsor company is incredibly significant.”
Patrícia Daros, executive director, Fundo Vale
“Throughout Fundo Vale’s history, we have worked with various sectors of the economy, rural producers, entrepreneurs, people from the financial markets, large corporations and many other partners. This is a very special moment for us, an exciting day to look back on everything that has been done over the last 15 years and to be sure that we have learned a lot. Based on the lessons learned, we are confident that we have at least another 15 years of positive impact ahead of us.”
Gustavo Luz, executive director, Fundo Vale
“This story isn’t as perfect and smooth as it might seem. But what we have realized over the years is that every moment has been a learning opportunity for all of us, even those when everything seemed uncertain or less obvious. All of this teaches us and makes us stronger.”
Márcia Soares, partnerships and Amazon manager, Fundo Vale
“When I joined in 2018, I was delighted with the way Vale Fund carries out its work. It was very different from what I was used to. Fundo Vale works in a highly collaborative way, in true partnership, building bridges. I’ve learned a lot from the team about the importance of dialogue, collaboration and building together.”
Juliana Vilhena, strategy, management and impact manager, Fundo Vale
“It’s important to cherish this role that Fundo Vale has, to promote innovation, promote alliances, promote partnerships and strengthen networks. And what we had here today was an example of that, an example of a meeting, dialogue, partnership and a lot of connection.”
Valmir Ortega, executive director, Belterra
“Today’s party very much represents the essence of Fundo Vale. It’s a space for collaboration, a space for exchanging connections. I hope that this partnership continues to be fruitful, with a lot of innovation, dynamism and a great desire to do new things that have an impact on the whole of Brazil.”
Janice Maciel, green economy manager, CERTI Foundation
