Official short video summarizing the event:

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Introduction

Invitation

We were invited to participate in a significant event of the “G20 Social” organized by Brazil. This event took place on 08/20/2024 in Rio de Janeiro, the city chosen as the G20 2024 Capital (https://g20.rio), for the same reasons that led us to establish our global operational headquarters (https://Autistan.rio) here in the same city in 2017.

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Presentation of G20 Social

The “G20 Social” is a concept introduced by Brazil to highlight social, economic, and environmental aspects in G20 discussions, complementing traditional debates focused on economic growth and financial stability. This concept aims to broaden the focus of G20 discussions to include topics related to social development, inequality reduction, social inclusion, improving living conditions, and sustainable development.

Objectives and Themes of G20 Social

1. 1. Social Inclusion: Promote policies that encourage the inclusion of marginalized groups, including people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and women, to create fairer and more equitable societies.

   2. Inequality Reduction: Address global income and wealth inequalities, developing strategies to reduce disparities between different layers of society.

   3. Sustainable Development: Integrate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into G20 discussions, emphasizing the need to balance economic growth with environmental preservation and the promotion of social well-being.

   4. Social Protection Policies: Encourage the development and strengthening of social protection systems, such as universal healthcare, retirement pensions, and poverty alleviation programs, to ensure economic and social security for all.

   5. Education and Training: Promote education and training initiatives that better prepare workers for future jobs, especially in the context of digital transition and automation.

Impact and Importance of G20 Social

By introducing the concept of “G20 Social”, Brazil seeks to expand the G20’s role beyond strictly economic issues to address global social challenges. This reflects an understanding that economic development cannot be sustainable without inclusive social progress. By making “G20 Social” a central theme, Brazil encourages G20 members to adopt a more holistic approach to global development, recognizing the interdependence of economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

The “G20 Social” also allows the inclusion of perspectives and experiences from emerging countries, often facing different development challenges from developed economies, thus contributing to a more balanced and representative dialogue at the international level.

In summary, the “G20 Social” is an initiative to enrich G20 discussions with a focus on social development, inclusion, and sustainability, encouraging an integrated approach to global economic policies.

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Morning

Beginning

The event took place at the Fundição Progresso.

Fundição Progresso is an emblematic cultural center located in the Lapa neighborhood, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Housed in a former foundry, this multifunctional space has become an important meeting point for the city’s culture and arts.
Fundição Progresso is much more than just a cultural center; it is a symbol of Brazilian diversity and creativity. It embodies the vibrant spirit of Rio de Janeiro as a city rich in culture and history, also serving as a platform for artistic expression and community engagement.

Introduction leaflet delivered to each participant at the entrance:

General presentation video of the location and the start of the event, including the presentation of ministers and other personalities:

Program

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Brazilian National Anthem

We had the great privilege of hearing the Brazilian National Anthem, sung by participants standing. It is undeniably a beautiful song, enhanced by lovely video images. The lyrics reflect well the spirit of the Brazilian people, and their fervor was truly palpable. It was a very moving moment.

Lyrics of the full version of the Brazilian National Anthem

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Full Speech Video

This is the official (governmental) video of all the morning speeches:

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Minister Márcio Macêdo

This is our video recording of the speech by the Minister of the General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Republic and coordinator of G20 Social, Márcio Macêdo

At the end of the speeches, with Minister Márcio Macêdo closing the series, we handed him our contact card and a page of brief presentation.

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G20 Social Participatory App

 

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Press Conference

 

“On this Tuesday (20), the Minister of the General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Republic and coordinator of G20 Social, Márcio Macêdo; the Minister of the Environment, Marina Silva; the Minister of Social Development, Family, and the Fight Against Hunger of Brazil, Wellington Dias; the Secretary of International Relations of the Civil House, Bruno Costa; and the representative of the City Hall of Rio, Lucas Padilha, spoke to the press about the G20 Social Preparatory Meeting. The event took place throughout the day at Fundição Progresso, in Rio de Janeiro.”

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Afternoon

Preparatory Meeting of the G20 Social Summit on Global Governance Reform with Inclusion, Social Justice, and Sustainability

Overview

Excerpt from the article on the G20 website:
“Felipe Hees, representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, initiated the debate by highlighting the saturation and inoperability of current international governance structures, particularly within the United Nations (UN). ‘Existing international agreements lack legitimacy and effectiveness in implementation, compromising their functionality and the global trust placed in them,’ he stated. He emphasized the role of the G20 as a channel for political momentum, capable of promoting concrete actions and urging UN members to engage in meaningful reforms.”

Marcel Fukayama, member of the National Council for Economic and Social Development

Excerpt from the article on the G20 website:
“Marcel Fukayama, from the National Council for Economic and Social Development (CDES), proposed the implementation of a distributed governance model and the unification of debates around a new economic paradigm, aligned with planetary limits and social responsibility. ‘Brazil can be a key player in promoting a new order of economic governance that prioritizes social and environmental justice,’ emphasized Fukayama.”

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Audio Transcription

This transcription was lightly corrected to fix Portuguese errors, but the original meaning was perfectly preserved.

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Analysis

Analysis of the Intervention of the Autistan Diplomatic Organization at the G20 (by Chat GPT)

The intervention of the Autistan Diplomatic Organization during the G20 meeting highlighted several points that could significantly enrich G20 debates:

1. Representativity and Inclusion: The organization highlighted the problem of autistic people’s representation in discussions and public policies. This point is crucial for the G20, as it touches on the broader issue of social inclusion and minority representation in decision-making processes. By integrating the perspectives of autistic people, the G20 could enrich its discussions on inclusion, diversity, and the rights of people with disabilities, which are essential elements for promoting an equitable society.

2. Communication and Bureaucracy Problems: The speaker also mentioned the communication difficulties between autistic people and what he called “Bureaucratistan.” This metaphor highlights the gap between bureaucratic decision-makers and the populations they supposedly serve. This point could serve as a basis for G20 discussions on administrative reform and simplifying bureaucratic processes, making them more accessible and inclusive. The observation about the need to reduce bureaucracy and improve communication is relevant to G20 debates on government effectiveness and good governance.

3. Medical vs. Social Approach: A critique of the traditional medical approach to autism was made, proposing a more respectful perspective based on the real needs of autistic people. This critique could be useful for the G20 by highlighting the need to rethink health and social services policies to be more person-centered and less focused on a deficit-based medical model. Discussions on health system reform, well-being, and social services could benefit from this more humane and inclusive perspective.

4. Global Problem and Need for Cooperation: The intervention also highlighted that 1% of the world’s population is autistic, underlining the importance of including this population in global discussions. This could encourage the G20 to address autism and other disabilities not just as public health issues but also as human rights issues that require international cooperation.

5. Resilience and Adaptability: Finally, the idea that autistic people are often “foreigners in their own country” and are more adapted to nature than modern society could enrich G20 debates on the resilience and adaptability of societies in the face of rapid change. This unique perspective offers a reflection on how different populations adapt or struggle to adapt to social and economic changes.

Conclusion of the Analysis

Conclusion of the Analysis on the Utility in G20 Debates (by Chat GPT)

The intervention of the Autistan Diplomatic Organization could be very useful in G20 debates by bringing perspectives on inclusion, bureaucratic process reform, the need for a social approach to autism, and international cooperation for the rights of autistic people. By introducing these ideas, this intervention contributes to a broader debate on equity, social justice, and good governance, which are central concerns of the G20.

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Afternoon Recap Article

This official (governmental) article presents the work of the Working Group on Global Governance Reform, in which we participated: https://www.g20.org/pt-br/noticias/reforma-da-governanca-global-com-inclusao-justica-social-e-sustentabilidade

Debates on Global Governance Reform during the G20 Social Preparatory Meeting. © Credit: G20 Audiovisual.

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Felipe Hees

This photo was taken on 03/07/2024 during the “C20/T20 Convergence”, but we republish it here for consistency with the other two below (all of these people are holding our flag).

In addition to the “essential” discussions mentioned earlier, another interesting point from our conversations with Mr. Felipe HEES was that he told us that our flag (delivered on 03/07/2024) is on his desk at the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Brasília. As a result, visitors often ask what it represents, and he explains that it is the flag of Autistan.

The diplomats and officials of this Ministry are well aware of countries and their flags. Even if they don’t know all of them by heart, they notice that this flag, although it looks like a national flag, is unfamiliar. Moreover, it catches attention for being considered beautiful and attractive, something recognized by everyone.

Mr. HEES also speaks French fluently, like someone who has never left France, which makes our conversations much simpler, faster, more direct, and enjoyable.

Fabricio Prado

Fabricio Prado is also very approachable and friendly. In addition to the “essential” topics discussed earlier, he told us that his Ministry (Foreign Affairs) has a department that handles disability-related issues and that many employees of this Ministry have autistic children.

Given the relaxed atmosphere of the conversation, we mentioned that “like father, like son” and that, when there is an autistic child, there is always at least one parent who is also autistic (even if in a “mild” form). This is a good sign for the future of relations with this Ministry. He said he would put us in contact with that department.

Gustavo Westmann

Gustavo Westmann was also very kind and friendly whenever we met. This exceptional diplomat is clearly the key figure of G20 2024, and he is always busy, moving quickly from place to place and often on phone calls. It is difficult for him to find free time. However, in the end, he gave us a few minutes and was very patient during the photos (which we repeated several times with different settings).

We handed him the documents mentioned earlier and briefly explained the “essential points,” in addition to showing him the 90+ page dossier we had sent several times (unsuccessfully) to the SNDPD (National Secretariat for the Rights of People with Disabilities) a year ago.

When he saw the dossier, he found it to be good and “interesting” (which is a common reaction), and he asked if we could leave it with him. It wasn’t what we had planned, but we obviously agreed, although without much hope that he would find time to review it in depth (or remember it).

But one has to try…

Other People Met

Marcel Fukayama

Marcel Fukayama is a member of the National Council for Economic and Social Development.
We had some discussions about the “essential topics” of our organization, and we gave him our “quick presentation document” (https://autistan.rio/autistao-e-autismo/) and exchanged phone contacts.

Lavito Bacarissa

Lavito Bacarissa is the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) at the General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Republic.
We handed him our “quick presentation document” (https://autistan.rio/autistao-e-autismo/) and exchanged business cards.

Elizeu Soares Lopes

Elizeu Soares Lopes is an Advisor for Social Participation and Diversity at the Ministry of Justice and Public Security.
We handed him our “quick presentation document” (https://autistan.rio/autistao-e-autismo/) and exchanged business cards.

Henrique Frota

Henrique Frota is the President of the ABONG, Executive Director of the Polis Institute, and President of C20.
We told him that we found his general presentation on the world’s problems, given this afternoon, to be particularly clear, complete, and concise, and asked if it had been recorded and was available somewhere. Unfortunately, it wasn’t, so we’ll have to record it next time.

Juliana Cesar

Juliana Cesar, from Gestos, is Co-President of C20.
We have been talking for quite some time. For us, he is a person who possesses a kind of “magical” power to solve problems smoothly, with a minimum of words and/or actions.

Maria Fernanda Marcelino

(World March of Women)

Conclusion

For now, autistic people are still very rarely present at these events and consultations, mainly because autism is often mistakenly perceived as a form of mental illness. As a result, organizers and politicians do not even consider our inclusion. Whether at in-person events (like today) or even by videoconference, our participation generally remains difficult, mainly due to the lack of accessibility. Social interactions, the speed of exchanges with non-autistic people, and the lack of time and attention given to us make these contexts unfavorable for us.

That is why we need to redouble our efforts to overcome these obstacles and ensure the presence of autistic people at events, consultations, and processes of social and political participation that may have a direct impact on our lives. We have already started to act, actively participating with written contributions and in meetings within the framework of C20 2024 in Brazil. These efforts have begun to bear fruit: autism was mentioned for the first time in official C20 documents, certainly thanks to our perseverance and commitment.

The C20, which brings together all the G20 countries and even beyond, constitutes a unique platform to discuss global issues, including those related to inclusion and the rights of autistic people. On the other hand, the G20 Social 2024, organized by the Brazilian government, mainly focused on the participation of Brazilians, paying less attention to the inclusion of people with disabilities. Despite this focus, our presence at this event proved valuable, not only for developing our network of contacts but also for raising awareness about the importance of including autistic people in global discussions on social inclusion.

Our participation in the “G20 Social” and the “C20” helped to reinforce the relevance of autism in broader discussions on social inclusion and reducing inequalities. By integrating our unique perspective, we contributed to enriching these dialogues and demonstrating that the concerns of autistic people deserve the same attention as those of other marginalized groups.

Through this engagement, we had the opportunity to meet new interesting people and strengthen our initial contacts with key figures such as Fabricio Prado and Gustavo Westmann. These interactions not only opened new doors but also strengthened our position in future discussions, allowing us to build strategic alliances to promote the rights of autistic people.

In addition, by listening directly to ministers and experts, we found that the Brazilian government’s positions on issues such as “Global North” exploitation and the defense of Nature are perfectly aligned with our own views. This alignment offers a strategic opportunity to influence future public policies and promote a better understanding of the needs of autistic people.

Our intervention and the discussion around the concepts of “Bureaucratistan” and “denaturalization of society” enriched the debates, highlighting the need for more inclusive reforms and public policies better adapted to the realities of autistic people. By exposing these issues, we drew attention to the importance of integrating diverse perspectives into political decision-making.

Finally, “as a bonus,” we were fortunate to feel the very positive “vibe” of the Brazilian people during this event, especially when everyone sang the Brazilian National Anthem, a beautiful song that perfectly reflects what we perceive of Brazil: a truly promising country, full of potential, generosity, resilience, warmth, and talent. This moment of solidarity reinforced our conviction that Brazil can be a global example of inclusion and respect for all differences.

We invite all stakeholders to continue this essential dialogue and explore more ways to make decision-making processes more inclusive. By working together, we can build a future where all voices, including those of autistic people, are not only heard but also respected and meaningfully considered.

Additional Reflections

We also noted that the current government of Brazil and Brazilian civil society are deeply concerned with protecting nature, defending the rights of indigenous peoples, and supporting minorities. In this context, it is worth remembering that we, autistic people, have often explained that we are more adapted to naturalness, while the main problem we face is the artificialization and “robotization” of society, as well as the denaturation of the human species.

The consequences of this serious problem are now being perceived even by non-autistic people, and it would really be beneficial and urgent for them to start listening to us and understanding that the accessibility measures (“autism-friendly”) that we are asking for (and which the authorities do not listen to or understand at all) are not only necessary for autistic people but also for all human beings, animals, and nature. Autistic people, in this sense, can serve as “revealers” or “fuses” of current social failures.

Moreover, the accessibility policies we are asking for, and which we can explain in detail, would not only benefit autistic people but also result in significant savings in energy, health costs, judicial procedures, and much more. It is time to consider accessibility as an essential investment for a sustainable and inclusive future, beneficial not only for autistic people but for society as a whole.

Invitation to Continue the Dialogue

To move toward a future where all voices are heard, we must continue this essential dialogue. We invite all stakeholders to collaborate with us to explore more ways to make decision-making processes more inclusive. By working together, we can not only improve the living conditions of autistic people but also contribute to a fairer, more equitable, and livable society for all.