TCU Represents SAI20 at the G20 Social Summit Preparatory Meeting

The Brazilian Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) represented the SAI20 at the G20 Social Preparatory Meeting, held on August 20, in Rio de Janeiro. The event gathered ministers, representatives of social movements, and experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the global agenda, with a focus on sustainability, social inclusion, and fighting poverty.

Three Brazilian ministers – from the General Secretariat, Environment, and Social Development and Fight against Hunger – attended the meeting. They highlighted the importance of the three main pillars proposed by the Brazilian presidency at the G20, emphasizing the need for concrete and collaborative actions to tackle global challenges.

Renata Leal Couto and Michel Afonso Assad Cohen, from the Department of International Relations (Serint/TCU), participated in the event. They reinforced the messages of the SAI20 Communiqué, emphasizing the need for urgent action to implement the G20 agenda. They specifically highlighted the importance of oversight in fighting hunger and poverty, and in ensuring the effectiveness of climate action. The SAI20 committed to promoting transparent, accountable, and sustainable public policies that foster prosperity and well-being for all.

During the meeting, the platform Brazil Participativo was launched. The tool was designed to foster civil society engagement in the G20 process and empowers citizens to submit proposals and participate in surveys, thereby promoting active and inclusive participation.

Throughout the event, participants also worked on the drafting of a preliminary document, which reflects the discussions of the G20 Social and will be made available on the Brazil Participativo platform. The document aims to influence the G20’s global agenda towards inclusive and resilient governance, integrating sustainability, social justice, environmental protection, and community participation.

Authorities Speak on Brazilian Progress

Minister Wellington Dias opened the session by recalling the growing environmental awareness at the turn of the century that led to the creation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He highlighted Brazil’s progress in reducing inequality and the recent approval of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. Dias emphasized the need for wealthy nations to contribute more to combating hunger and poverty, questioning how the global summit can encourage countries to achieve the SDG goals.

Minister Marina Silva addressed the urgency of tackling climate change. She highlighted that 80% of carbon dioxide emissions come from the richest countries, making just and inclusive energy transitions urgent. Marina Silva also advocated for taxing the super-rich and presented Brazil as a global sustainability leader, focusing on economic prosperity, cultural diversity, and environmental sustainability.

Minister Márcio Macêdo emphasized the historical significance of the G20 Social and the importance of democracy, highlighting the vital role of social movements in maintaining democracy. He stressed the need for social participation and affirmed that it is necessary to listen to the people.

G20 Social Summit

The G20 Social Summit will take place from November 14 to 16, 2024, and is structured as follows:

– November 14: Voices

Organization of spaces for self-managed discussions among different social voices.

– November 15: Pillars

Organization of spaces for discussions around three thematic pillars and approval of a document for each pillar.

– November 16: Synthesis

Organization of spaces for the synthesis of discussions, approval of the final document, and the closing ceremony.