Luana Lourenço and Paula Laboissière     Special Correspondents for EBC

Porto Alegre - In her remarks, president Dilma Rousseff recalled her participation in the first World Social Forum, in 2001, when she was the Rio Grande do Sul state secretary of Energy. “Since then, this city [and the forum] have become a reference point for those who seek an alternative to the misbalances in global economics and politics,” she declared. “Here the idea that a better world is possible has been firmly planted.”

As she spoke, there were interruptions as people in the audience called on the president to veto the Land Use Law (“Codigo Florestal”).

Dilma went on to say that in practical terms, “There has been a renovation of ideas in that from now on the word ‘development’ comes together with the word ‘sustainable.’” She added that what was at stake at Rio + 20 was the challenge to come up with a model capable of providing growth and jobs, social inclusion and greater rights, along with the sustainable use and protection of natural resources.

President Dilma concluded: “The task here and at Rio + 20 is to unleash the development, renewed ideas and new advances absolutely necessary to confront the difficult times that a wide swath of humanity faces. Our job is to make these first years of the new millennium the start of a new era characterized by stronger ties of South – South solidarity and cooperation…. It is this hope that unites and drives us toward Rio + 20, as we seek a new way of life, inclusive, sustainable. I believe a better world is possible. See you in Rio.”

Allen Bennett – translator/editor The News in English

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