The pandemic presents new directions for international cooperation, concluded the participants in a webinar held by IBRAF

The Brazil Africa Institute promoted, last Friday (May 22) the webinar “Global Change in Times of COVID-19: Challenges and Trends in the International System”, which revolved around issues such as the impacts that the pandemic has left on the international system and lessons for the future. Participants also had the opportunity to discuss the need for international cooperation to overcome the crisis.

The meeting was attended by José Ramos-Horta, Former President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate; Gilbert Houngbo, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD); and Celso Amorim, Former Minister of International Relations of Brazil. Professor João Bosco Monte, President of Instituto Brasil África, moderated the discussion.

During the dialogue, Ramos-Horta pointed out that this is a time for the most powerful nations in the world to put differences aside and plan joint actions to manage impacts. “If these countries do not act with maturity, the instabilities caused by the pandemic could be even worse. The coronavirus is exposing the problems that already existed”, he said.

Houngbo followed the same line, stating that “We need a holistic global response — one that addresses the immediate COVID-19 health needs while simultaneously investing in the resilience of the most vulnerable”. The IFAD president also emphasized that rural producers need support and should be part of joint efforts.

Celso Amorim pointed out that the pandemic moment has shown the urgency of changes in international systems. “We need to find a balance, and it will be mainly in terms of cooperation between countries, taking into account local needs,” he explained.

Professor João Bosco Monte stressed the need to think about actions that are focused on South-South and Triangular Cooperation, which are part of the Brazil Africa Institute’s agenda. “It is necessary to encourage the sharing of practices and solutions, both in the South and in the global North. Without solidarity, we will not be able to go very far,” he concluded.

The webinar is available on Brazil Africa Institute’s YouTube channel and can be accessed through the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmdhaGA6Ph4