Fiocruz at the G20 Social: Experts debate Health, Climate and the 2030 Agenda

The G20 Social, held at the Olympic Boulevard in Rio de Janeiro from November 14th to 16th, 2024, brought together global and national players to discuss and propose solutions to the most pressing challenges facing contemporary society. The event, which recorded more than 33,000 participants throughout the days, focused on issues related to sustainability, social equity, health and climate change, seeking to connect the agendas of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, having strong participation from social movements and civil society, such as the National Movement of Waste Pickers (Movimento Nacional dos Catadores de Materiais Recicláveis), the Unified Central of Favelas (Central Única das Favelas – CUFA) and the Landless Workers' Movement (Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra – MST). In this context, Fiocruz had a significant participation, highlighting its role as a strategic institution in the global health and sustainability scenario.

During the three days of the event, Fiocruz was represented on two main occasions: the presence with a thematic stand and the realization of a self-managed panel – from which Fiocruz emerged the winner of a widely competed call for proposals, with more than 270 activities from organizations in Brazil and other countries, including social movements, cultural groups and community entities, where debates and public policy proposals were promoted. Both emphasized concrete actions and projects developed by the Foundation to tackle the climate crisis and promote sustainable development.

A rich variety of materials and interactive technologies were presented at the stand. One of the main attractions was the touch screen, which provided climate data, information on science, technology and innovation (ST&I) for health, as well as a Fiocruz News Agency special on climate change. The public also had access to detailed information on the recently launched Fiocruz's Strategy for Climate and Health (ECS/Fiocruz). The video screenings covered topics such as social technologies, renewable energy, initiatives to produce inputs and vaccines, as well as a 3D animation featuring the character Zé Gotinha, which captivated the children's audience. The stand, located in front of Warehouse 5 on Olympic Boulevard, was visited by researchers, academics, educators, representatives of social movements and children, the latter engaged by the playful animation led by the character Oswaldinho.

The self-organized panel, held on November 15th at Espaço Kobra, brought the theme of Climate, Health and Agenda 2030 Synergies: building a sustainable future. During the opening ceremony, the Minister of Health, Nísia Trindade, highlighted the need for coordinated actions between health and sustainability, emphasizing Brazil's role as a leader in global initiatives in this field. Paulo Gadelha, coordinator of Fiocruz's Strategy for the 2030 Agenda (EFA 2030), emphasized the importance of integrating science with practice, aligning scientific research with the demands of communities and global commitments. Juliana César, from the organization Gestos, and Lavito Bacarissa, from the National Commission for the Sustainable Development Goals (CNODS), complemented the reflections, bringing perspectives on public policies and social engagement.

The second part of the panel featured thematic presentations by experts and representatives of social movements. Priscilla Papagiannis, from the Climate Observatory, presented an analysis of the acceleration of the climate crisis, highlighting the need for a transition to low-carbon economies. Alexander Turra, from Oceans20 and the Unesco Chair for Ocean Sustainability, discussed the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems and the interconnections with human health. Tereza Campello, socio-environmental director of the BNDES, presented initiatives aimed at funding sustainable projects and strategies for social inclusion.

Social technology experiences were represented by Missay Nobre da Silva, from the Movement of People Affected by Dams (Movimento dos Atingidos por Barragens – MAB), who reported on projects to mitigate the impacts of dams on local communities; Eugênio Scannavino, from the Health and Happiness (Saúde e Alegria) Project, who shared innovations developed in the Tapajós region; Rodrigo Tobias, from the Leônidas and Maria Deane Institute (Fiocruz Amazônia), who highlighted the challenges facing public health in the Amazon and the strategies adopted by Fiocruz to promote sustainable development in the region; Fernanda Vieira, from Redes da Maré (Networks of Maré), who talked about local organizations in the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro responding to social and environmental crises; and Ananias Nery Viana, from the Quilombola Council of the Iguape Basin and Valley, who reflected on the contributions of traditional peoples to environmental conservation and good living.

The event was also an opportunity to present concrete projects, such as the Basic River Units model and agroecology and renewable energy initiatives implemented in the Amazon. Fiocruz used robust scientific data to demonstrate how local actions can generate positive impacts on a global scale. Among the presentations was research into water and food security in critical areas of the Amazon, a project that integrates technological innovation and traditional knowledge to strengthen the resilience of communities in the face of climate change.

Fiocruz's participation in the G20 Social reaffirmed its commitment to health as a human right and to sustainability as the structuring axis of its actions, as stated in its internal congress. Through an interdisciplinary and innovative approach, the Foundation not only highlighted its role as a promoter of science and technology, but also as an active agent in building a fairer and more sustainable future.