Brazil has initiated a social summit as a precursor to next week’s Group of 20 (G20) meeting of major economies, marking a novel approach centered around engaging civil society before the annual summit.
According to Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, the event is expected to attract around 40,000 participants from G20 nations, who will engage in discussions and panels at transformed industrial spaces in Rio de Janeiro’s port area and the nearby Museum of Tomorrow. The main G20 summit is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday in Rio.
During the opening ceremony, which included participation from various government officials and First Lady Rosângela da Silva, Vieira underscored that the summit aims to drive forward Brazil’s agenda of sustainable development and green energy, while also addressing poverty and inequality. He emphasized the necessity of integrating societal contributions into meaningful discussions and actions.
The proposals that emerge from the social summit will be compiled into a final document, which will be presented during the leaders’ summit. First Lady da Silva, affectionately referred to as Janja, articulated that commencing the G20 with a focus on social issues distinguishes Brazil’s leadership from previous summits. She expressed optimism about ensuring that voices from the community are acknowledged and their recommendations are taken seriously.
Additionally, representatives from Brazil’s low-income neighborhoods, referred to as favelas, have convened in Rio as part of the F20 initiative. Last week, they shared a collective statement highlighting their key concerns, which include tackling inequality, fostering climate justice, ensuring access to sanitation, and enhancing digital and financial inclusion.
Favelas accommodate approximately 16.4 million residents, making up about 8% of Brazil’s population. The pressing issues faced in these communities are exemplified by the well-known favela of Rocinha, which has recently regained its status as the most populous favela from one situated near Brasilia. Individuals in Rocinha grapple with challenges such as open sewage systems and limited job opportunities.
Antonio Florencio, a 58-year-old who has lived in Rocinha for four decades, conveyed his discontent over delayed infrastructure projects that inadequately address the requirements of his community. He remarked that the upcoming G20 meeting feels significantly detached from his everyday realities, which are already a considerable distance from the venue at Rio’s Museum of Modern Art.
“Honestly, the G20 is merely going to discuss an agenda aimed at benefitting the nation and the globe. But as for bringing any real change to this community, I doubt it,” he commented.
Besides the social G20 summit, the Brazilian government has also arranged a free music festival in the city’s port area, running from Thursday through Saturday, showcasing popular artists like Seu Jorge, Daniela Mercury, and Zeca Pagodinho.