In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the “Social G20” precedes the “official” G20, which will take place on November 18 and 19. A pioneering initiative from Brazil which organizes three days of international civil society meetings, from November 15 to 17. NGOs, activists, and businesses will discuss the themes of this year’s G20: the fight against poverty, hunger, and social inequalities, but also the fight against climate change.
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With our correspondent in Rio de Janeiro, Sarah Cozzolino
It is an activity to raise awareness of climate issues. At Brazilthis year, it was the victims of climate change who spoke out.
“ For example, I come from Haiti. After an earthquake, cholera and two cyclones, I arrived with my family in Brazil to survive. And there are plenty of migrants, refugees, who have arrived for a climate cause », explains Robert Montinard.
Listen to those who are not never listened to »
Robert Montinard is founder of the Mawon association, specializing in the law and integration of migrants. Catadores, people who recycle waste on the streets in Brazil, together with refugees and black women, are at the origin of around fifteen recommendations.
“ It is precisely this population that is never listened to that is most affected. So, it is very important for those in power to listen to them to understand how they can contribute », Explains Michelle Sampaio, university professor and participant in the report, which proposes, among other things, better waste management and environmental education for all.
Create a dialogue, be proactive
Hélène de Saint-Front, participates in the project. She is an enthusiast of this G20 Social. “ There were lots of different axes, and it’s really something that Brazil is very, very proud to have brought, and which, we hope, will become a standard », she wishes. “ It’s good to have activists who are at the door of the G20 and who say “not happy”, but it’s not necessarily constructive. And there, really, we create a dialogue, we have proposals. »
Proposals which will be collected and transmitted to Brazilian President Lula, on the eve of the official meetings of heads of state during the G20.