São Paulo is one of the largest business centres of Latin America and one of the world's greatest cultural centres. It is crucial that the World Cultural Forum take place in São Paulo since this is the right moment to think of culture as a form of democratising countries, including Brazil.

The cultural diversity of Brazil converges to São Paulo, where effective and successful cultural experiences need to be shared. Moreover, the World Cultural Forum will take place during the 450th anniversary of the City of São Paulo, and will thereby significantly contribute to the City's commemorations.

São Paulo is the largest metropolis of South America, and one the four largest in the world; São Paulo has over ten million inhabitants spread out over an area of 1,509 km². The city is the main economic centre of Brazil, and its businesses generate over US$ 76 billion; furthermore, its GDB is equivalent to 10% of the GDP of Brazil.

São Paulo is also an enormous cultural capital, with over 60 museums, 170 theatres, 34 cultural centres, over 220 cinemas, 70 libraries, 30 show houses, parks, art galleries, and a large number of historical buildings of tremendous architectural beauty. The city also organizes fairs, exhibitions, and events, and accommodates artists of Brazil and of various parts of the world.