BRICS Brasil Bulletin #02| In a groundbreaking initiative, BRICS civil society will participate in Sherpas Meeting in April
Cultural and Civil Society Exchange is one of the priority axes for the BRICS. Congregating grassroots movements, trade unions, business, academic, and/or parliamentary representatives, the People to People (P2P) platform will be a highlight under the Brazilian Presidency. Listen to the report and learn more.
Report by Franciéli Barcellos de Moraes | francieli.moraes@presidencia.gov.br | Voiceover: Rebeca Rodrigues
Reporter: In accordance to the BRICS Terms of Reference, cooperation among nations is structured in three pillars: Politics and Security, Economy and Finances, and Cultural and Civil Society Exchange. The latter will be highlighted during the Brazilian Presidency through the promotion of the People to People (P2P) program, the axis that fosters the social participation of the group countries.
Some meetings in this segment have already taken place in Brasília this year, such as the Youth Group and Think Tanks. However, one of the key distinctions of BRICS Brasil’s social participation agenda is set for April 24–27, when the group’s second Sherpas Meeting will be held. Traditionally reserved for the countries’ diplomatic leaders, this meeting will feature an unprecedented initiative by Brasil’s coordination: for the first time, civil society organizations will have a seat at the table.
Gustavo Westmann, head of the International Advisory to the Presidency of the Republic (Assessoria Internacional da Secretaria Geral da Presidência da República /SG-PR) and P2P coordinator, explained that this move ensures the proposals from grassroots movements, trade unions, and representatives from business, academic, and parliamentary sectors will be heard. The goal is to give a voice to the diverse stakeholders within the social pillar of the Global South cooperation group.
Gustavo Westmann: It is increasingly clear that civil society is no longer content with just being present—they want to have an impact, to truly be part of the conversation. This is a global trend, and in Brasil, it is especially strong under President Lula’s leadership," said the diplomat.
Reporter: During his participation at the first Sherpas Meeting of the BRICS, the president Lula said.
President Lula: The social pillar ensures that the seeds we plant will bear fruit in our societies. Gathering leaders every year is not sufficient if we are not able to listen to the aspirations of our citizens. The engagement groups involving entrepreneurial women, business people, youth, parliamentarians, unions, academics, and civil society will have full support from the Brazilian Presidency.
Reporter: The BRICS Civil Council will also convene in Brazil this year. Launched last year, the organization enhanced civil society participation by introducing a higher level of institutionalization. The councils are the most influential platforms within the P2P structure, preceding the forums and thematic meetings. The other three established councils are Youth, Think Tanks, and Business.
English version: Mary Aune
Proofreading by Enrique Villamil
