Favela 20 in debate in Vidigal: event this Monday (08) launches the initiative

With thematic panels aligned with the G20 Brasil's priorities, organizations from Rio's favelas launched Favela 20, which focuses on peripheral issues at the main forum for international economic cooperation. The event continues throughout the day (08), with live streaming and participation of various leaders.

Vidigal has a view that encompasses Sugar Loaf Mountain, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Christ the Redeemer, Dois Irmãos Hill and also Niterói. Today, it directs its gaze into the community, rather than serving as a lookout. Specifically, to an event that marks the role of the favelas in debates and the search for solutions to global dilemmas.

The Favela 20 (F20) launch event, which featured five thematic panels for debate, began with a video message from Brasil's sociologist and first lady, Janja Lula da Silva, who congratulated the initiative and encouraged those in attendance to strengthen the Global Alliance Against Hunger.

"Initiatives like the one you are building today, like Favela 20, are fundamental for the Brazilian G20 presidency, connecting global discussions with the reality of the territories and vice versa," said the sociologist. "The priorities of the Brazilian G20 connect with the realities and concerns about the social, environmental and economic issues of historically marginalized communities, such as favelas," she added.

"All the themes and discussions at the G20 somehow involve the favelas, some of them closer to Maré, others to Alemão, Cidade de Deus, the hills, the slopes, but we can understand the power of the favela and how we are capable of having these discussions," said journalist Rene Silva, one of the creators of the F20. He was born in the Morro do Adeus, one of the favelas belonging to Complexo do Alemão, and is the founder and editor-in-chief of Voz das Comunidades.

Lucas Padilha, president of the G20 Rio de Janeiro Committee, also contributed to the opening by pointing out that "if Rio is the G20 capital, then it must also be the G20's overall capital. What is happening here today is similar to what should happen in all forums, such as COP30 next year and the next G20, but with greater frequency and sincerity. Diplomacy should be closer to those who create an agenda for everyone," he said.

In addition, Padilha highlighted the unprecedented delivery of the Social G20 to the Sherpas last week, when representatives of the 13 engagement groups sat down at the meeting table for the first time in history with the G20 political negotiators, reinforcing the commitment of the G20 under the Brazilian presidency to popular demands.

See also