Voices of Rio: Residents share visions for a fairer world

City to host G20 Summit, where heads of state and government will approve agreements and outline solutions to global challenges Rio de Janeiro is set to host the G20 Summit this Monday and Tuesday, where heads of state and government will approve agreements negotiated throughout the year and outline strategies to tackle global challenges. In anticipation of welcoming leaders from the world's largest economies to the Museum of Modern Art (MAM) at Flamengo Park, O GLOBO took to the streets to ask: "What could or should world leaders do to make the world you live in more just?" G20 Social: Final statement advocates taxing the ultra-wealthy and condemns far-right misinformation Fun in Rio: 20 paired activities for the G20 holiday weekend in Rio de Janeiro The question was posed to 20 individuals with diverse backgrounds, including a businessperson, a public health officer, a street cleaner, a student, a person experiencing homelessness, a lawyer, and a waiter. Though the question was the same, the responses varied widely. The most common themes were combatting hunger, poverty, and inequality, with additional concerns about the environment, safety, and education. "Leaders from the richest countries in the world will be here in Rio, and it's a good opportunity to discuss poverty," suggested Felipe Santos, a 37-year-old motorcycle courier. Social participation is a key aspect of the Rio event, which amplified the voices of civil society representatives during the G20 Social, concluded this past Saturday. Francisca Barbosa: Environment and climate are pressing concerns for a resident of Glória Francisca Barbosa: Environment and climate concern Glória resident Guito Moreto Environmental protection and climate change should be priorities for the leaders attending the G20, according to a 49-year-old freelancer from Glória. — It's good to have a clean river where you can drink water and fish. Climate change is frightening. It seems distant, but when you see floods and heatwaves, you realize it isn't — she warns. Lucas Barros: Fear of a new pandemic still looms large Lucas Barros, 28, sales representative Guito Moreto The commercial representative emphasizes that global leaders must discuss how to prepare for another pandemic, recalling the suffering caused by COVID-19. — It's a vital topic for discussion. We went through it recently and were caught off guard. As always, it was the poorest populations who suffered the most — he recalls. Neil Catarino: Fair distribution of resources to benefit the population Neil Catarino: Fair distribution of resources to benefit the population Guito Moreto To make Brazil less unequal, the nation should reduce unnecessary expenditures to increase investment in more urgent issues for the population, says the 20-year-old elementary school teacher. — It's crucial to invest more in education and safety. That would be a good discussion now. The G20 is an opportunity to exchange experiences — he asserts. Rodrigo Gueron: Professor advocates for the creation of a poverty alleviation fund Rodrigo Gueron: Professor advocates for anti-poverty fund Guito Moreto The Uerj professor believes a fairer world hinges on establishing an international fund to fight poverty. — There should be a global financial capital tax to build this fund: not for charity, but to combat poverty by redistributing income and offering new life opportunities — argues the 56-year-old Laranjeiras resident. Daniele Marinho: Street vendor dreams of a world with social justice Daniele Marinho: Street vendor dreams of a world with social justice Guito Moreto The Santo Cristo resident wakes up early to sell candies, sweets, cookies, soda, and water on the sidewalk of Avenida Marechal Câmara in the downtown area. She inherited the stall from her mother, who at 70 is no longer able to work on the streets. At 46, the street vendor dreams of a world with social justice. — We live in a wealthy country, but without income distribution — criticizes the vendor. Felipe Santos: Combatting poverty should be a priority, says motorcycle courier The delivery driver Felipe Santos Guito Moreto Felipe Santos, a 37-year-old resident of Nova Iguaçu in the Baixada Fluminense, travels the streets of Rio for work and is accustomed to encountering inequalities. For him, the G20 should prioritize the fight against poverty. — Leaders from the richest countries in the world who will be here in Rio should discuss the topic and find solutions. We live in a country with many inequalities — he affirms. Carol Silva: Candy seller wants independence from the 'goodwill of others' Carol Silva: Candy Seller Aims for Independence from 'Others' Goodwill' Guito Moreto Laid off with four colleagues from her job as a janitorial assistant, the 28-year-old has been unable to find steady work since the pandemic. She now sells candies at Santos Dumont Airport. The same happened to her partner. For her, a fairer world offers opportunities for all: — It's a way to ensure a dignified and honest life without depending on the goodwill of others. Haroldo Oliveira: Nations must unite to end inequalities Haroldo Oliveira: Nations unite to end inequalities Guito Moreto A 58-year-old resident of Anchieta believes the ideal world is one where everyone has access to healthcare, quality education, and safety. — I know these are global discussions (at the G20 conferences), not local issues, but all of this is also a result of inequalities. If there was unity among nations, perhaps it could be different — the public health officer believes. Júlia Peçanha: An 18-year-old's concern is the future of the planet Júlia Peçanha: 18-year-old's concern is the planet's future Guito Moreto Environmental care and sustainability are the main concerns for the student. She believes these issues were neglected by previous generations, and now the consequences are emerging. — If we don't resolve this, the world won't be habitable in a few years. Not having air to breathe or water to drink is a concern. Something needs to be done soon — she urges. Ramon Fontes: Eradicating hunger is urgent, says waiter Ramon Fontes: Ending hunger is urgent, says waiter Guito Moreto A waiter who serves tables at the Alcaparra restaurant in Flamengo, he turns his attention to those who don't have enough to eat. For him, ending hunger is the most urgent priority. — It's sad. I live in Baixada and on my way to work I see many people on the streets with nothing to eat. Here, too, we often have people asking for food — says the 48-year-old Nilópolis resident. Ademilson Jesus: Street cleaner hopes for a better future for his children and grandchildren Ademilson Jesus: Street cleaner hopes for a better future for children and grandchildren Guito Moreto Father to an 18-year-old preparing for exams, the 42-year-old street cleaner from Nilópolis dreams of a world with more opportunities for his son and future grandchildren. He hopes that ending inequalities will be a priority for world leaders. —They must combat social inequality and provide support to the less fortunate. It's essential to put this on the agenda — he says. Clementine Vigier: Businesswoman advocates for a more equal world for everyone Clementine Vigier: Entrepreneur advocates for a more equal world for all Guito Moreto The 48-year-old French businesswoman, who chose Brazil as her home and has been in Rio de Janeiro for just over a year, believes a better world includes ensuring equality. — Without social justice, you'll always have problems. Everyone must have the same rights, including access to essential services like public health and quality education — she notes. Leandro Kaizer: Taxi driver wants more opportunities for workers Leandro Kaizer: Taxi driver seeks more opportunities for workers Guito Moreto The driver believes that if workers had more jobs and fairer wages in their home countries, they wouldn't need to seek opportunities elsewhere, as many Venezuelans come to Brazil and Brazilians go to Portugal. He thinks this should also be a topic at the summit. — It's necessary to combat wage inequalities — he suggests. Renata Faria: Lawyer sees insecurity as a global issue Renata Faria: Lawyer views insecurity as a global issue Guito Moreto The lawyer believes that fear has made Cariocas lose their spontaneity. Not considering the lack of security a local problem, she believes the issue should be on the leaders' agenda to make the world fairer. — This issue stopped being local a long time ago. Unfortunately, it's a global problem. It's an opportunity to discuss this too — she argues. Desiree Araújo: Paquetá resident seeks solutions for climate disasters Desiree Araújo: Paquetá resident seeks solutions for climate disasters Guito Moreto The authorities should look for solutions to climate disasters, especially those caused by human actions, says the 33-year-old Amnesty International fundraiser: — I think the race for consumption and capitalism is so rampant that we are destroying the ecosystem and reaping the consequences. The poor suffer the most. Rodrigo Bello: Fight poverty to build a better place for everyone Rodrigo Bello: Fighting poverty to build a better place for all Guito Moreto This is the wish of a 47-year-old lawyer living in Botafogo. He believes the G20 leaders' visit to Rio is an excellent opportunity to pursue social justice. — I think the major concern is with hunger, poverty, and social inequality. This must be addressed, especially in Third World countries. And there needs to be more jobs — he emphasizes. Barnabé Ribeiro: 'The environment is our home' Barnabé Ribeiro: 'The environment is our home, where we live' Guito Moreto A 69-year-old tourist from Goiânia visiting Rio, Barnabé is concerned about the future of his five grandchildren in a country that doesn't prioritize environmental issues. "The environment is our home," says the retired mechanical engineer. — You see the beauty of Rio, but at the same time, there's the polluted Guanabara Bay. We need to find non-polluting energy sources and take better care of waste — he observes. Eduardo Cavalcante: Combatting pollution is urgent for Catete resident The 32-year-old administration student believes the focus of the G20 meetings should be on combatting pollution: — The climate was one thing when I was a child, and now it's different. I have a 3-year-old daughter and think about a better world for her and the grandchildren I might have. Those with power should find solutions for this. Wesley da Cruz Matias: Homeless man demands more job opportunities Wesley da Cruz Matias: Homeless man calls for more job opportunities Guito Moreto At 48, Wesley, born in Campos dos Goytacazes, ended up living on the streets of Rio after getting involved with drugs and serving time in prison. He says he hasn't had any issues with the law for ten years but hasn't found another job opportunity. He previously worked in construction. — I struggle a lot, as does my partner, who is pregnant. There's a lack of social justice — he argues. Carlos Carvalho: 90-year-old demands respect for the environment and humanity Carlos Carvalho: 90-year-old calls for respect for the environment and humanity Guito Moreto The retired lawyer, a resident of Leblon, enjoys strolling through the city center and, despite his advanced age, still works. He expresses sadness over the lack of respect for both humans and the environment: — For the world to become better and fairer, strong measures need to be taken to prevent forest burning and respect human beings. The translation of this text into english was carried out by Project Irineu, O GLOBO's initiative to develop artificial intelligence tools. Here is the link to the original report.