For the third time, AMUN will take place at the Rio Branco Institute (IRBr), the official Brazilian school of diplomacy, operated by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Rio Branco Institute (IRBr) was created on April 18, 1945, as part of the centennial celebration of the Baron of Rio Branco's birth. In March 1946, the IRBr Preparation Course for the Diplomatic Career was established. Its first class consisted of 27 Third Class Consuls, as Third Secretaries were then known. It was as of that date that the IRBr's Entrance Examination became the only possible entrance point into the diplomatic career.

To date, the changing needs of diplomatic activities have ever counseled regular adjustments of the Institute's programs and procedures, in order to keep the Brazilian diplomat's education up-to-date. 

         In 1995, the Graduation and Improvement Program - First Phase (PROFA-I) was created. This new course is equivalent to a Masters degree. PROFA-I sanctions the idea that, due to the complexity of international relations and to the increasing chores of the diplomatic function, career-oriented training has to be continuous.

The first training phase begins when the diplomat enters the career, as soon as he or she passes the Entrance Examination. This training extends itself, however, up through the post of Counselor, by way of the Diplomat's Improvement Course (CAD), a prerequisite for the promotion from Second to First Secretary, and the Higher Studies Course (CAE), which all must pass in order to be promoted from Counselor to Second Class Minister.

Over 1250 Brazilian and 140 foreign diplomats have passed through the Rio Branco Institute. The IRBr's objectives have always been:

•     to harmonize knowledge previously acquired in undergraduate courses with the education required for a diplomatic career;

•     to develop an understanding for the basic elements used in the formulation and execution of Brazilian foreign policy; and 

•     to initiate students into the practices and techniques of the career.

The Institute is decorated with many artworks of respected artists of Brazil, including a panel of mosaics projected by Athos Bulcão that covers a wall of the Institute’s hall and a steel sculpture designed by Emanoel Araújo that graces the main entrance. Rio Branco Institute is truly a beautiful site and the perfect venue for a Brazilian Model United Nations.

For more information, please visit: http://www.irbr.mre.gov.br/instituto/instituto.htm

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