On 17 and 18 July 2023, a Summit of The European Union (EU) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) will be held in Brussels. Simultaneously, various political and social actors, including transform! europe, are organising a Peoples’ Summit, a mass event open to the most diverse range of views and ideas.
The 2023 Peoples’ Summit awaits you! The European Union (EU) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) will hold a Summit in Brussels on July 17 and 18, 2023. Numerous organisations (list here) are organising a People’s Summit in parallel, to express the views of organisations and civil society defending an alternative development model.
Numerous debates, workshops and discussions will take place over the two days, featuring activists and high-level political leaders (including heads of state) from both sides of the Atlantic (see the two-day program). Several cultural, festive and protest events are also planned. We invite you to take part in this important event.
Take part in the Peoples’ Summit!
The voice of organisations and social movements is coming from every corner of Europe and the mountain ranges, forests and islands of Latin America and the Caribbean. They bring their aspirations, their desire for change, their festive spirit and the best intentions to build a more humane and just world. They come to share them at debates, meetings, workshops, a demonstration and a culture and music festival. In a world in crisis and in the full throes of change, the People’s Summit is bringing hope and invites you to take part. Come join us and show your support!
Why a Peoples’ Summit?
On 17 and 18 July 2023, a Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union (EU) will be held in Brussels. At the same time, various political and social actors are organising a Peoples’ Summit (with activites from 15 to 18 July), a mass event open to the most diverse range of views and ideas, aimed at:
promoting an alternative model of development, cooperation and integration that is more just, more solidarity-based and more sustainable;
fostering fair relations between the peoples and governments of Latin America and the Caribbean with the peoples and governments of the European Union, based on the principles of respect for international law, non-interference, sovereignty and self-determination;
discussing current issues;
sharing experiences of struggle and resistance;
strengthening the ties between grassroots movements, trade unions, solidarity groups, migrant communities, associations and political forces and figures of both continents.
Registrations are open, please click here to register for the activities.
For more information, visit the official EU-CELAC People´s Summit website.
Programme
Monday, 17 July 2023
Venue: VUB Main Campus, Bd de la Plaine 2, 1050 Ixelles (Brussels)
From 9:00 a.m. – Registration (Mandela Room, Aula Q VUB)
CONFERENCES
11:00 – 12:45
Latin America, zone of peace : what can we learn from diplomacy for peace in Latin America (intal, www.intal.be)
As if the blockade were not enough! The impact of Cuba’s inclusion on the list of State sponsors of terrorism (Belgian coordination for the lifting of the blockade, www.nonaublocus.be)
13:00 – 14:45
The media, allies or enemies? Red de Intelectuales, Artistas y Movimientos sociales en Defensa de la Humanidad (REDH)
14:00 – 15:45
Reflections for a co-transition of our peoples in the South and the North (intal, MST Brasil, ITECO, GRESEA)
15:00 – 17:00
A new international debt crisis. Deeper than ever, the crisis leaves capitalism breathless (CATDM)
15:00 – 18:00
Fighting against the new forms of war: popular power, participation and social movements (The Left)
16:00- 18:00
Crossing borders (Migratory confluence)
18.00 – 23.00
Festival of solidarity between the peoples of Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe VUB Aula Q
The Cumbre de los Pueblos is also an important moment of international solidarity. On the occasion of the arrival of numerous delegations from several Latin American, Caribbean and European countries, we propose a cultural evening featuring musical groups with roots in both continents. The evening will give the floor to representatives of social and political organizations, with messages of struggle and hope, to bear witness to the fact that another world is already on the way.
Concerts by Sindicato Sonico (Latin America meets Antwerp) and Baque de Chuva (Brazil)
Tuesday, 18 July 2023
Venue: VUB Main Campus, Bd de la Plaine 2, 1050 Ixelles (Brussels)
From 8.30 a.m. – Registration (Mandela Room, Aula Q VUB)
CONFERENCES
09.00 – 12.00
New forms of old wars: imperialism and lawfare (The Left)
11:00 – 13:00
Si se puede! Hope and struggle, let’s defend our right to protest (intal & Viva Salud)
17:00 – 18:30
Solidarity demonstration
For the sovereignty and self-determination of peoples, against blockades and sanctions, and for Latin America as a zone of peace.
Place du Luxembourg, Brussels
19:00 – 22:00
Meeting between Heads of Delegations to the Official Summit and social leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean with civil society organizations from Europe. Public presentation of the “Declaration of the Peoples 2023”. (Full)