Cover Story of Cidade Nova Brazil | June 2021
Daniel Fassa (revista@cidadenova.org.br)
In the June 2021 cover story, Daniel Fassa deepens the context and the work process in preparation for the II Congress of Co-governance, which will be held soon in Brazil.
Due to the current scenario of the Coronavirus pandemic, we can notice more sharply the deep inequalities that traditional political-economic systems have built throughout history. We can also see the countless difficulties of these same systems in offering answers and solutions to society's problems, especially the more immediate ones. More than ever, there is a need to build models for a more participatory government that is committed to the well-being of all.
Fassa affirms that “for it to be, in fact, 'the love of loves', as Chiara Lubich said, politics cannot leave anyone behind.” Furthermore, to transform the cities, the participation of many is necessary, through the formation of networks of citizens, collective agents and cities. Also, these collaborative networks need to be guided by a specific method, based on fraternal and dialogical relationships, aiming to promote the common good. In general terms, these ideas have motivated the Movement for Unity in Politics (MPPU) to deepen the concept of co-governance, following the first steps taken during the I International Congress on Co-governance, held in Rome (Italy) in 2019. Now, Brazil will host the II Congress on the subject, from October 9th to 12th, 2021.
The national president of the MPPU, Flávio Dal Pozzo, affirms that this period of preparation and organization of the event constitutes an opportunity to advance in the understanding of the concept and to develop the principle of fraternity in the cities. Dal Pozzo reiterates the complexity of contemporary societies, stating that there are no easy solutions to our current problems. To make matters worse, Brazilian society suffers from a deficit in political training and awareness that the current educational system cannot handle. In this way, social transformation essentially involves a process of political, civic, critical and conscious education, which does not intend to solve all the problems, but to promote a more qualified citizen participation.
To read the full article (in Portuguese), go to: https://pt.co-governance.org/post/cogovernan%C3%A7a-e-fraternidade-em-constru%C3%A7%C3%A3o