The Governor of Rio de Janeiro, Sérgio Cabral, speaking on Friday 30 January as a guest at the 39th World Economic Forum, laid out a major program of urban investments for the city, as part of plans to host the 2016 Olympic Games and ensure a lasting legacy.

Cabral explained that these investments will focus on public security, accessibility, public transport and the use of ecologically-friendly materials. “I told the executives and officials at the Forum that our city will undergo a significant urban transformation. People will enjoy a spectacular and peaceful Olympic Games, for the first time in South America. The results will benefit visitors and residents alike,” he said.

Sérgio Cabral stressed that, despite the global financial crisis and spending cuts in this year’s state government budget, which he announced on 29 January, priority areas, such as security, health, education and infrastructure, will not be affected.

Leaving a meeting with mayors and governors about city governance in times of crisis, Cabral said that a work group has been formed to study new ideas for major cities. He claimed that such proposals may be useful for Rio de Janeiro’s bid for the 201 Olympic Games.

“Regarding the environment, I mentioned some interesting examples, such as the use of solar energy in all housing projects of PAC [Brazil’s Growth Acceleration Program] in the favelas and Rio’s Baixada region. I pointed out the use of natural gas by the whole of Rio’s taxi fleet and the decision to convert the public sector transport fleet to natural gas, starting with the police. Joaquim [Levy, Finance Secretary] and I sensed good feelings here towards Rio 2016,” he said.