City Hall debates the role of non-governmental organizations in cooperation between BRICS municipalities

The Rio de Janeiro City Hall participated in the Second BRICS International Municipal Forum. Photo: Courtesy of Rio de Janeiro City Hall

The City of Rio de Janeiro, through the International Relations Coordination, participated in the Second BRICS International Municipal Forum, on November 05, 2020, in a panel on the role of non-governmental organizations in promoting cooperation between the municipalities of the group.

The online event was hosted by the Public Organization of Russia – Business Russia and was attended by representatives of the public and private sectors and non-governmental organizations from Brazil, Russia, China, India and South Africa. The multidisciplinary forum, organized by the city of Saint Petersburg, Russia, focused on the socio-economic development of the territories of the BRICS countries.

Based on the important role played by non-governmental organizations in implementing public policies, Rio's intervention aimed to stimulate initiatives between local governments and non-governmental organizations as a tool to increase the well-being of the population. The challenges and potential shared by BRICS cities foster the exchange of knowledge and cooperation, especially in strategic areas such as tourism, technology, innovation, productive investment and social development.

On the occasion, Ambassador Antonio Mello, representing the City of Rio, presented municipal projects carried out in partnership with NGOs such as Mapa da Pia, which implements hand washing stations in public places with the aim of reducing the spread of Covid-19, and the urban agriculture program Hortas Cariocas, which distributes food to schools, hospitals, popular restaurants and vulnerable communities.

Furthermore, the city proposed greater participation of non-governmental organizations and civil society in upcoming BRICS forums, highlighting the relevance of dialogue arenas such as Civil BRICS and the next BRICS Municipal Forum, to be held in July 2021, in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Discussion arenas such as the BRICS International Municipal Forum are of great importance for strengthening participatory governance initiatives between local governments and non-governmental organizations. Participation in the panel was also an opportunity for Rio de Janeiro to reinforce its commitment to intensifying cooperation ties with other cities in the grouping, which can be facilitated with the financial support of the New Development Bank.