Brasília - The goals of the millenium represent a set of eight commitments assumed by the heads of the 191 member states of the United Nations at the Millenium Summit, held in September, 2000. Last week the World Bank (IBRD) organized a workshop in Brasília to discuss these goals together with the Brazilian government, civil society, and international organs. The event, denominated "Alliances for an Inclusive Development," sought to debate ways to combat poverty and formulate strategies of development and social inclusion.
The IBRD's Vice-President for Education, Health, and Social Protection, Jean Louis Sarbib, participated in the encounter. In his view, the Brazilian government's social policy seems very original. He said he was impressed by the emphasis on social questions. Sarbib commended the Zero Hunger program, agrarian reform, the support for small farmers, and the concern over the lack of water.
"The reason that the World Bank gives substantial backing to the Brazilian government's social policies is that we believe there is something to be learned from the experiences and the policies that are being implanted here. If successful, I think they will be good lessons for the World Bank to share with the rest of the world," he said.
Sarbib is concerned about the concentration of income in Brazil. According to him, this is a problem that has existed for a long time and will, therefore, not be resolved overnight. "I think that the government is trying to do its best to make the economy grow more rapidly."
Sarbib added that he sees Brazil playing a very important role in today's world, alongside countries like India, China, Argentina, and South Africa. "The resumption of economic growth in recent months leads me to believe that Brazil is on the right track. But I think what is even more important is the government's determination to combine growth with equity. This is very important, not just for Brazil, but for the rest of the world, too. It is an attempt, in global terms, to benefit the neediest," he concluded.
Agência Brasil
Reporter: Luciana Vasconcelos
Translator: David Silberstein
07/27/2004
