Bianca Paiva
Reporter Agência Brasil

Brasília - Brazil and the United Nations have signed a memorandum of understanding that will result in the creation of Economic and Social Development Councils (Conselhos de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social) (CDES). throughout Latin America based on the Brazilian experience with such councils over the last three years during the Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva administration.

The UN calls the CDES "A new democratic institution for promoting dialogue and participatory governance..." According to Fernando Schimidt, a special aide for international relations at the Palacio do Planalto, the memorandum is recognition by the UN of the efficiency of the Brazilian CDES.

Translation: Allen Bennett