Former President of Brazil FHC spoke with trackers about the Rio+20

Former President of Brazil Fernando Henrique Cardoso (FHC) spoke with the fellow Adopt a Negotiator trackers, the young people of Oxfam International Youth Partnerships and the Youngers of “Elders+Youngers” project. In a very informal and enjoyable conversation, the Brazilian Elder gave his views and told us his experiences in subjects like sustainable development, food security, youth engagement and politics. FHC told us about his experience as a president and how he got involved in environmental issues since the Conference of Stockholm, in 1972, to the discussions of the Kyoto Protocol and the Rio+20, in South Africa, in 2002.

During the meeting, the Youngers had the chance to introduce their projects and listen to FHC’s comments in terms of how the world can move towards a more sustainable path. It was an interesting opportunity – not only for us but also for the former president who could partake in a discussion about Rio+20 through the point of view of the young people who have taken part since the very beginning of the conference. In addition, the young people from Oxfam were amazing, sharing  interesting and valuable experiences of the projects they are involved in.

Brazil in the Rio+20

During our discussion, Fernando Henrique Cardoso affirmed that President Dilma Rousseff must be very “categoric” in pushing other governments, as well as playing an active role in building a constructive action towards a sustainable development. However, what we have witnessed so far is the country overwhelming the summit’s agenda and leaving crucial issues out of the discussions – this is case of the Climate Change and Energy.

Given that Brazil plays an important role in the outcome, do you think the country will be able to push other governments to come up with an important outcome of the Rio+20 Summit?

“I am not quite convinced it will be possible for brazil to take the leadership, because in practice the situation is so difficult now. The world crisis is so comprehensive and probably governments will be focused in other things than environment. Anyhow, since Brazil invited people to come it has to fulfill the leadership. So let’s try, let’s trust it will be able to commit others to come. We have to try to respond the expectancies and I hope the president will be more active in making a decision more suitable and participative if we want the governments to be more aware.”

See the video above for his entire response.

Click below for further information on the youth projects:
Oxfam International Youth Partnerships
Elders+Youngers