Rio+20 will test Brazil’s ability to host international events with cutting edge technology

Rio+20, the United Nations Sustainable Development Conference that begins today has been fitted out with the very latest in cutting edge technology. There are computer terminals throughout the city, panels with real time information and multimedia networks.

According to Wilton Mota, the director of operations at the Federal Data Processing Service (“Serpro”), Rio+20 will be a laboratory for testing the development and implementation of technology that Brazil will be using over the next few years for a series of international events the country will host. Such as the World Soccer Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016.

Serpro is the government’s IT company.

“This event has been thought out carefully from basic infrastructure to information security. As there will be many important authorities from around the world here we are dealing with it as the first step in preparation for other grand events. We are ironing out problems with mobilization and integration. Various government agencies, such as the ministeries of Defense and Foreign Relations, along with the Federal Police and monetary/fiscal authorities (“Receita Federal”) will all be working together.

Motas emphasized that Rio+20 will have around 2,500 computers (desktop workstations and laptops) online at the Riocentro, where around 130 heads of state and government will gather, along with UN officials and Brazilian authorities, between June 20 and 22.

It is estimated that a total of 50,000 participants will be present at Rio+20 and Mota says all of them will have access to wireless internet connections. There will also be over 160 self-service information booths in hotels, at the airport and other locations where Rio+20 events will take place.

There will also be direct connections with the Summit of Indigenous Peoples (“Cúpula dos Povos”).

Two control centers will be in operation to deal with problems. “There will be 24-hour monitoring to minimize the impact of flaws, disasters or computer failures,” explained Mota.

A total of R$3 million were invested in the technology infrastructure. Some financial assistance came from the UN Development Program.