São Paulo: the “Civitas Association” promotes a radical change for Latin America

From 17th  to 21st  February 2014 the Brazilian city of São Paulo hosted the seminar “For a radical change in Latin America”. The event was held at the University of São Paulo, the Megapolo Brasilero de São Paulo and the Mariapoli Ginetta. It was organized by the  Civitas Association, the Latin American face of the Political Movement for Unity which shares New Humanity’s values in the area of politics.

The conference saw the participation of people from all over South America: master’s and doctoral students from a number of areas of specialization, those representing organizations from civil society as well as the educational institutions. The central theme of the event was the fight against  poverty and inequality in Latin America by means of a development founded on the active and sustainable participation of the social communities, in particular, through the creation of inter-sectoral partnerships.

The key event took place on 19th  February, with the Symposium, organized in association with the University of São Paulo’s “Centre of research  and technology in scientific production”, and held at the university itself.
Prof. Ladislau Dowbor, head of the unit for studies on the future of the Pontifical University of São Paulo  (PUC-SP), discussed the issue of economic development and democracy in Latin America, while Dr. Ariela Bank Settl Comparato, coordinator of the Sustainable City programme, spoke on the subject of sustainability in cities.

The conference gave the participants the opportunity to analyze the social, political and economic situation of Latin America; to reflect on the processes necessary in the fight against poverty and in  overcoming inequalities in the region; to share experiences and knowledge with their fellow participants; to promote and disseminate practices and strategies for the building of sustainable societies.