The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
Supporting higher education in Brazil
In partnership with Itaipu Binacional and the government of Brazil, UNOPS will complete the construction of the Federal University of Latin American Integration’s (UNILA) campus.
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10 June 2025
UNOPS concluded the bidding process to hire the companies that will execute and supervise construction works for the completion of the UNILA’s campus blocks.
Construction work on the campus officially resumed during a ceremony attended by Camilo Santana, Minister of Education; representatives from Itaipu Binacional, UNILA and UNOPS; students; and local authorities.
The first building is expected to be completed in March 2026. With a built area of over 94,000 square metres, the university will contribute to the advancement of higher education in Brazil and across Latin America and the Caribbean.
“The announcement of the resumption of this project, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, reflects the dedication and collaborative efforts of the teams at UNOPS and Itaipu Binacional. Together, they undertook the challenge of advancing a construction that had been on hold for over a decade and required thorough technical assessment prior to its continuation”, said Camilo Santana, Minister of Education of Brazil.
Read more (in Portuguese)
Located in Foz do Iguaçu in the state of Parana, near the shared border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, the public university hosts students from 36 nationalities, with a focus on regional cooperation and cultural, scientific and educational exchange.
The campus building was originally designed by influential Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer – who was once part of an international team of architects responsible for the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Established in 2010, the UNILA facility has remained incomplete since construction works stopped in 2014.
With $153 million in funding from Itaipu Binacional, UNOPS will complete the construction of the facility’s four campus blocks – including the classrooms, administration building, utility centre and cafeteria. Works will include an assessment of the existing structures and a review of building plans to ensure the original designs of the buildings are preserved.
“There is no more important driver for sustainable development than education. Education is the main factor in combating inequalities and promoting sustainable development and equal opportunities. UNOPS is proud to be associated with an impactful project like this,” said Jorge Moreira da Silva, UNOPS Executive Director.
“This is a fundamental project for strengthening Latin American and Caribbean integration and one that carries great symbolism,” said Camilo Santana, Brazil’s Minister of Education.
Read more (in Portugese)
