A forum for inclusive and informed dialogue
As Fundação FHC marks its 20th anniversary, it enters a new chapter of contributions to Brazil.
At the close of his presidency, Fernando Henrique Cardoso (fondly remembered as FHC) founded this institution, inspired by similar organizations tied to former leaders in Europe and the United States: “I wanted it to be not just a center of historical memory but a place for debates on democracy and development—two causes that have engaged me since early on.” This vision took shape in 2004, and two decades later, we stand as a distinctive institution in Brazil and Latin America, established as a hub for dialogue and the production of informed and inclusive knowledge.
The Fundação FHC’s activities encompass debates, exhibitions, educational events, and the production of books, articles, teaching materials, and videos that promote informed citizenship and intellectual rigor.
The next twenty years are critical for Brazil to reach higher development standards. Will we advance more steadily and cohesively with robust democratic governance, consistent state policy continuity, less divisive polarization, deeper integration into the global arena, faster poverty eradication, and reduced socio-environmental inequalities? Fundação FHC is committed to playing a vital role in this collective effort with an even more profound dedication.
A lens to understanding Brazil and the world
Nonprofit and nonpartisan, Fundação FHC, created by Fernando Henrique Cardoso in 2004, aims to foster a higher-quality democracy rooted in informed citizenship, dedicated to the common good, and open to dialogue.
Operating as a think tank, we focus on public debate and knowledge production on Brazil’s developmental and democratic challenges and the country’s role in a global context. Additionally, we preserve and make accessible the archives of Ruth Cardoso, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, and other public figures linked to their legacy, contributing to research and deepening knowledge of Brazilian history.
As both a sociologist and statesman, Fernando Henrique Cardoso always sought to grasp Brazil’s and the world’s challenges, working with peers and society to address civilizational dilemmas. He never claimed rigid certainties but pursued questions to guide understanding. This foundation embodies that same ethos: we are a lens for viewing reality from a broader perspective—to learn from the past, comprehend the present, envision the future—to think together and build together.
What values guide the Fundação FHC’s actions?
Annual Reports
Since its founding in 2004, Fundação FHC has published an annual report in both digital and print formats, documenting all activities and content produced throughout the year—including seminars, publications, video series, and educational programs.
Each report provides updates on the organization, preservation, and digitization of the FHC collection, a project that began two decades ago and continues to grow. It also details the curation of our online and in-person exhibitions, which feature rare documents related to the exhibition themes.
Transparent reporting on our activities is central to our mission as a nonprofit organization serving the public interest. It reflects our commitment to the sponsors and supporters who have stood by us over the past twenty years, as well as to everyone who has contributed their work and expertise to our activities.
2023 Annual Report
In 2023, we hosted 31 debates, released eleven publications, and produced five virtual exhibitions. We also launched two new seasons of the mini-doc series Vale a Pena Perguntar and uploaded over a hundred videos to YouTube. The Um Plano Real exhibition welcomed hundreds of public and private school students. Key topics addressed throughout the year included the crisis of democracy, the climate emergency, geopolitical shifts, and the impact of new technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence.
Honorary Presidency
Fernando Henrique Cardoso
Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees - Lifetime Members
Beatriz Cardoso
Fernando Henrique Cardoso
Luciana Cardoso
Paulo Henrique Cardoso
Board of Trustees – Limited-term Members
Celso Lafer
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Arminio Fraga Neto
Henri Philippe Reichstul
José Olympio da Veiga Pereira
Oscar Vilhena Vieira
Supervisory Board
Everardo de Almeida Maciel
Executive Team
Board of Directors
Institutional Relations
Legal Counsel
José de Oliveira Costa
Office of the President
José Luiz Sá de Castro Lima
Collections
Jéssica Almeida
Librarian
Ana Paula Moreira
Cultural Agent
