Brazil: Dr. Esper Cavalheiro, President of the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientmfico e Tecnolsgico remarked, "When Brazil became a partner with Gemini in 1993 and SOAR Project in 1995 it took two giant steps forward and entered the age of observation and instrumentation with large telescopes. These projects have not only given Brazilian scientists a valuable opportunity to interact with partners who are actively involved in using the most advanced instrumentation, but also it opened up prospects regarding the development of the better quality astronomical instruments. The National Research Council from Brazil gives such importance to this field of scientific research that it has begun to support a project that we call the 'Millennium Institute for the Evolution of Stars and Galaxies in the Era of Large Telescopes'. Involving more than 80% of Brazil's astronomers and 17 research institutes. The purpose of the project is to train and qualify staff in the field of astronomy while also developing equipment and instruments with a view to taking part in observational projects using the SOAR and GEMINI telescopes. Astronomy discoveries have always had a powerful impact on society since the days of Copernico and have helped to shape views of the modern world that are still current today. Similarly by spreading astronomical knowledge we play a key role in disseminating scientific knowledge and finally in educating the public about science".