The Congress

The largest  Brazilian Social Investor’s network, GIFE, organizes every two years the GIFE Congress, gathering leading professionals of the sector, both national and international, as well as leaders of civil society organizations, scholars, consultants and government representatives.  Since 2000 the event offers a learning and new relationships opportunity and the exchange of experiences with all participants involved in social, cultural and environmental actions.

With the theme “New Frontiers of Social Investment”, GIFE’s 2012 Ccongress will be held in São Paulo, from March 26th to 30th, where, besides the traditional themes, will encourage debates about the latest and complex situations  investors have been facing lately.

Program
Thereby GIFE’s congress programming is articulated to the process initiated in 2010, with the launching of the Social Investment Vision for 2020 that seeks to find a relevant and legitimate sector, covering various topics, regions and public, formed by a group of diversified and sustainable of investors.

We seek to innovate in diverse areas, from improving what is already  being done in the area in the last years, to new political agenda where the investors are involved, like for example, a new economic organization, the sustainability and the Rio + 20, a  UN event, that that GIFE’s Congress forego.

It is evident at this point that the event will emphasize the diversity of dialogs, in a program fleeing from the more esoteric formats and case presentations. The objective is to seek not only specific insertions, but in a cross-sectional manner, introducing new working methodologies not only make the most of the speakers, but also to create effectives means to value the experiences that participants bring about.

Historical
The last editions of GIFE’s congress showed a largest comprehension of social investment and have anticipated tendencies of the movement. Now, GIFE must deal with multiple visions and demands that tighten the form and the format of the practices regarding planning, grasp, administration, impact, content and articulation with other sectors.

The former editions
The previous meeting  took place in Rio de Janeiro (2010), Salvador (2008), Curitiba (2006), São Paulo (2004), Fortaleza (2002) and Vitória (2000), emphasizing the national perspective o the event.

 Agenda
In addition to the themes already established in the latest editions of GIFE’s Congress that in fact refer to areas with larger involvements from the part of the investors (education, culture, environment, youth), the event new edition is focused in debates that are still at the forefront of the national and international scene.

Beginning with the involvement of the foundations, institutes and companies in the sustainability movement and the ‘green economy” scenario, and searching for models for the political mobilization and participation of the lower layers of low-income population, and the strengthening of the civil society as a whole.

On the other hand, there is also the discussion on how the recognition of Brazil as an important player in the social and economic international scenario open the doors for the country and for the first time establish itself not only as a receiver, but donor resources under the aegis of international cooperation and export of social technology.

Two dimensions must be explored in this point. First, is the interchange of more conventional practices with other countries. However, what seems to be more evident is the necessity for the Brazilian corporations with international projection to develop social actions in countries where they have headquarters.

Why São Paulo?
São Paulo is the city where the largest amount of social investors are concentrated, and can be seen as a synthesis of the Brazilian potential challenges, as economic strength and income inequality. “This does not mean that is an event aimed at São Paulo. Together with other cities of the South of the country, the city is the big wheel of this moment of economic development that generates social investment. Furthermore, GIFE’s headquarters is in the city and since 2004 São Paulo does not host one of its Congresses”, argues Rossetti.

Registration
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NOTE: Figures in real (currency)

If you are outside of Brazil and want to subscribe, send an email to  congresso@gife.org.br