The growing importance of the favela communities in the global stage is highlighted by the creation of the G20 Favelas, an innovative initiative by CUFA (Unified Center of the Favelas), FNA (National Antiracist Front) and the Parliamentary Front in Defense of the Favelas. The project, also known as IFC20 (International Favela's Conferences 20), is part of the G20 Social agenda. It is endorsed by UNESCO and includes conferences in more than 3000 favelas across Brasil and other regions worldwide.
The G20 Favelas aims to put favelas on the map of the G20, one of the main global platforms for discussing economic and social issues. The initiative seeks to integrate the voices and experiences of residents and leaders from these marginalized areas into the international agenda, allowing for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to solving global problems.
The conferences promoted by the G20 Favelas are scheduled to occur until September 2024, encompassing all of the 26 Brazilian states and the Federal District, as well as 41 countries across different continents, including the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. The initiative is a historic milestone that seeks to ensure that the demands and solutions proposed by the favelas are heard and considered in global discussions
Main Themes
The main themes discussed in the G20 Favelas conferences include:
Inequality Reduction and the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty: The favelas face profound inequalities in several spheres, from access to basic services to economic opportunities. The conferences address strategies to reduce these disparities and combat hunger and poverty effectively.
Sustainability: Sustainability is a central theme, considering that many favelas face challenges related to waste management, access to potable water, and sustainable urban development. The discussions seek to promote practices that integrate environmental protection with economic development.
Human RIghts, Race, and Gender: The fight for human rights is a priority, addressing issues such as racism, discrimination, and gender inequality. The conferences offer a platform to discuss how to promote equality and inclusion in diverse contexts.
Global Challenges Faced by Favelas and Peripheries: The conferences also explore the specific challenges faced by favelas in terms of infrastructure, security, and access to services. These challenges are discussed within the context of global and regional crises.
Actions Parallel to the G20
The G20 Favelas has also participated in parallel actions related to the G20, demonstrating its relevance and impact. Among these actions, one highlight was the participation in the States of the Future event, by invitation of the Ministry of Management and Innovation in Public Services (Ministério da Gestão e Inovação em Serviços Públicos). During this event, themes such as diversity, inclusion, health, and other crucial aspects affecting marginalized communities were discussed.
Additionally, the MIDR (Ministry of Integration and Regional Development) has included CUFA and the G20 Favelas in discussions about Disaster Risk Reduction. CUFA's response during humanitarian crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the disasters caused by intense rains in various states of the country, has been pioneering, providing practical solutions tailored to the needs of favelas in an emergency.
A glance into the future
The G20 Favelas represents an innovative and necessary approach to integrating the realities of favelas into global discussions. The inclusion of the voices of the favelas in global conferences is essential for the creation of policies and solutions that truly address the needs of these communities. The initiative demonstrates that tackling global problems requires the consideration of solutions proposed by those who live in the most challenging realities.
As Celso Athandye, the founder of CUFA, highlighted :"If the problems are global, the solution must also be." This statement underscores the importance of a global and inclusive approach to addressing the complex challenges faced by the favelas and peripheral communities. Integrating the perspectives of the favelas into the global dialogue is a significant step toward creating a better, more just, and equitable world where all voices are heard and considered.
In summary, the G20 Favelas is a transformative initiative that seeks not only to highlight the issues faced by the favelas but also to promote collaborative and inclusive solutions to global challenges. By hearing and integrating the experiences and proposals from the favelas, the G20 Favelas contributes to a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
The G20 Favelas represents an innovative and necessary approach to integrating the realities of favelas into global discussions. The inclusion of the voices of the favelas in global conferences is essential for the creation of policies and solutions that truly address the needs of these communities. The initiative demonstrates that tackling global problems requires the consideration of solutions proposed by those who live in the most challenging realities.
On August 24, Saturday, the major state conferences will take place as a preparatory step for the national stage. Besides the state conferences, the G20 Favelas organization will host a Global Favela Forum in October and a national conference.
International agenda of the G20 Favelas
September 14th - Mozambique Conference
September 16th - Zambia Conference
September 19th - Angola Conference
22 September - Cameroon conference and agenda
24 September - Ivory Coast Conference
26 September - Mali Conference
Article produced by the G20 Favelas team, in content partnership with the G20 Brasil Communications team
