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We are increasingly connected
The Brazil Africa Forum breaks down barriers at each edition. In 2020, faced with the biggest humanitarian crisis in recent times, the event was held in an innovative virtual format, connecting - even miles away - the main Brazilian, African and third region leaders and stakeholders.
BAF 2021 is focused on natural resources, severely affected by the pandemic and at risk of irreversible disruption if there are no concrete actions to stop exploration and invest in recovery. The event will show once again that, even though only connected virtually, it is possible to strengthen dialogues, create opportunities, encourage investments and contribute to overcoming this unprecedented crisis.
SPEAKERS
WHAT TO EXPECT
Plenaries
Conversations
Interviews
Showcases
Roundtables
Webinars
Specialized inputs
Sideline chats
THEMATIC AXIS
LAND
Land is the foundation of our economies, and is especially abundant in Brazil and African countries. Mineral resources, for instance, are central to virtually every economic activity in these regions, amounting to gigantic shares of production and exports, but are commonly detached from local welfare. Fossil fuels, mainly oil and coal, form a large part of national matrixes, while also providing stable revenue for exporting countries; nonetheless, they harm the environment and put pressure on sensitive conditions. How can we ensure that natural resources are explored, transformed and used to the benefit of national economies?
FORESTS
Brazil and African countries are connected by their natural endowments in the form of immense and biodiverse tropical forests, with many resources that can serve the well-being of local societies. Land grabbing, unsustainable exploitation and irreversible damage to natural conditions put these endowments on check. There are, however, ways to conciliate the economically viable with the environmentally responsible, but this requires will and adaptation. How can we safeguard our biodiversity from harm, while creating conditions for economic growth?
WATER
Immense oceanic coastal areas and some of the most important hydrographic basins, lakes and aquifers are in Brazil and in the African continent. Unfortunately, drinkable and usable water resources are becoming more scarce, thus also becoming the privilege of a few. Oceanside communities, at the same time, suffer with lack of support, poverty and insecurity, being usually marginalized from political processes and formal economies, resorting to unsustainable practices. Can we integrate water into our economies in a sustainable way, securing a safe supply to all?
ACTION
There is no possibility of dissociation between environmental protection, social resilience and economic development. It is time to reinforce in Brazil, Africa and globally a call to action for joint forces, to make leaders, investors and civil society think of the concrete steps we need to take in order to reshape our understanding of how natural resources should be used. What should we do, and how should we act, to build a better world, one that will not destroy or deplete our natural resources in the years to come?
Top Speakers from Previous Editions
