O Globo’s Anniversary List: 101 Builders of Tomorrow

On the occasion of its 101st anniversary on 29 July, Brazil’s O Globo newspaper is publishing a special edition titled ‘101 Brasileiros que Constroem o Futuro’ (101 Brazilians Who Build the Future). The project gathers profiles of individuals whose work, creativity and research are, according to the editorial team, helping to reflect on new times and paving the way for a better world. The list is organised across eight broad areas: Technology and Entrepreneurship; Territory and Urbanism; Health and Science; Culture and Behaviour; Education and Diversity; Industry and Agriculture; Environment and Climate; and Society and Democracy.

The selection deliberately spans all five regions of Brazil and includes a diversity of viewpoints, with one notable exclusion: anyone who signalled an intention to run in the 2026 elections was left out, keeping the focus on non-electoral contributions. The profiles will be published during the newspaper’s anniversary week, aligning with a tradition of recognising transformative figures that dates back at least to the Prêmio Faz Diferença, launched in 2003.

The initiative follows a year of high-profile centenary activities in 2025, which included an exhibition, two books, a documentary series and a 526-page print edition that earned a Guinness World Record as the largest commercially available newspaper. At the time, the slogan ‘100 years of history. Year 001 of the future’ captured the forward-looking spirit that this new list seeks to embody.

Behind the Selection: Balancing Inspiration and Neutrality

Why O Globo Curated This List

The project is as much about brand positioning as it is about celebrating achievement. By assembling a diverse group of change-makers and tying them to its own anniversary, O Globo reinforces its narrative as a chronicler of progress—not just a recorder of daily events, but an active participant in shaping national conversation. The eight chosen categories mirror the country’s complex agenda, from climate action to industrial innovation, and implicitly assert that the newspaper’s editorial reach extends across all of them.

The Deliberate Exclusion of Political Figures

One editorial decision stands out: excluding individuals who will stand for office in 2026. This shields the list from accusations of partisanship during an election year and preserves a tone of civic inspiration rather than political propaganda. It also reflects a broader media caution in Brazil, where mixing journalism with electoral politics can quickly erode trust. By keeping the focus on scientists, entrepreneurs, artists and activists, the list remains a safe but still resonant celebration of national talent.