São Paulo is the heartbeat of Brazil’s creative economy. The structure of the state government combines the secretariat of culture with creative economy for a reason: Brazil’s secret sauce is its rich, diverse culture. It’s the key access point for inclusion and shared prosperity. To build on the “multiplier effect” of the economic and social transformation produced by the creative economy, the state relies on the intelligence of the creative sectors to inform innovative public policy. And the conversation continues in dialogues across industries and institutions where innovation is essential to economic growth and sustainability.

In this session, Brazil’s former Minister of Culture and current Secretary of Culture and Creative Economy for the State of São Paulo, Sergio Sá Leitão, lays out the challenges and opportunities for São Paulo and provides insights into the transformative power of the creative economy for São Paulo and for the world.