Letter released by CEBDS lists 12 proposals to ensure environmental and social gains and a beneficial business environment in Brazil
The Brazilian business sector is launching today (4) the Open Letter to Presidential Candidates, a document that brings together 12 proposals for government programs from presidential candidates. The document is spearheaded by CEBDS (Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development), which brings together 85 companies operating in Brazil and whose combined revenues represent approximately 50% of the national GDP. It lists themes and measures capable of placing the country at the forefront of the global green economy, bringing development with respect for the environment, social justice, and economic competitiveness.
"Sustainability is not a government issue, but a state issue," says Marina Grossi, president of CEBDS, regarding the document. In the open letter, the Brazilian business sector emphasizes the need to fulfill commitments made by Brazil, such as ending illegal deforestation, reversing forest loss, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Other points addressed include universal sanitation, the energy transition, and encouraging sustainable food systems, as well as a plan to reduce social inequalities, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Companies need an environment where different sectors of society are aligned. We are in a time of major disruption in the development model. We need to look ahead and rethink economic growth to capitalize on Brazil's existing advantage: the great potential of a clean economy," comments Marina Grossi.
In the document, CEBDS emphasizes the importance of coordination between different levels of government and the importance of addressing issues cross-cuttingly, generating new businesses, skilled jobs, and income. "It is certain that there is no longer any possibility for development other than that which is environmentally correct, socially just, and economically viable," reads an excerpt from the letter.
The document is the first step in a sequence of three actions aimed at positively influencing candidates' agendas. In June CEBDS will promote an event to promote direct dialogue between candidates and businessmen; in August, with all the candidacies made official, the proposals brought in the letter released today will be detailed and delivered personally to the candidates and their teams.
This is the third time that CEBDS presents suggestions for the candidates' agenda. Since 2014, the entity has been advising presidential candidates on sustainability. The objective is to contribute with solutions that guarantee competitiveness and prosperity within the four-year mandate. In relation to the document released in 2018, for example, three points had important advances: new rules for basic sanitation, stimulating investments and improving services to the population; the creation of the law on Payment for Environmental Services; and the need to create a regulated carbon market in the country.
The proposals of the Brazilian business sector for the presidential candidates can be found here link.
About CEBDS
The Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS) is a non-profit civil association that promotes sustainable development through articulation with governments and civil society, in addition to disseminating the most current concepts and practices on the subject. Founded in 1997, it brings together more than 80 of the largest business groups in the country, whose revenues represent 47% of the Brazilian GDP and which generate 1.1 million jobs. It represents in Brazil the network of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), which has almost 60 national and regional councils in 36 countries and 22 industrial sectors, in addition to 200 business groups that operate in all continents.
