Foundations, social networks, the World Bank and the Brazilian government have committed themselves to working together towards addressing the root causes of inequality and poverty in Brazil, and achieving Brazil’s development agenda. The commitment was a key outcome of a dialogue held in February 2005 in Brasilia as part of the EFC-World Bank Foundations Unit Country Dialogues initiative (see also p53).

The EFC delegation was led by EFC Chair Stiftelsen Riksbankens Jubileumsfond, under the auspices of the Centre’s International Committee, chaired by the Nuffield Trust. GIFE (Group of Institutes, Foundations and Enterprises), chaired by Fundação Roberto Marinho, led the Brazilian foundations delegation. The event received support from the AVINA Foundation and Fundação Banco do Brasil.

The first-ever gathering of its kind in Brazil, the event provided first steps for exploring new partnerships in social inclusion, environmental sustainability and youth empowerment. The challenges facing North-east Brazil and Amazonia received special attention. A number of joint working groups were established to take forward the recommendations and proposals that emerged.

EFC mission to Brazil
The dialogue was the centrepiece of a broader EFC mission of international funders to Brazil, which included a meeting with the European Commission Delegation in Brasilia, a roundtable with Brazilian foundations and corporate funders, and site visits to projects in Rio de Janeiro, São Paolo, the North-east, and the Amazon region.

The mission highlighted the need for a better operating environment for foundations in Brazil, for professional training in philanthropy, and for knowledge sharing. Fundação Luso-Americana para o Desinvolvimento will host a meeting in Lisbon at the end of 2005 or beginning of 2006 focusing on legal and fiscal issues for private giving. GIFE and the EFC will sign a formal cooperation agreement during the Centre’s Annual General Assembly and Conference to be held 4-6 June in Budapest, Hungary.

For further information contact international@efc.be

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