“When people ask me what I do for a living I like to present myself as a socio-environmentalist.” Pedro shares his experience working towards overcoming the social, economic, environmental and political issues facing Brazil and the wider world. As Rio+20 approaches, he argues that the Elders+Youngers debate will be another step towards the solution.

I’m a 23-year old Brazilian living in São Paulo, and when people ask me what I do for a living I like to present myself as a socio-environmentalist. My concerns with the reduction of poverty and inequalities, the promotion of human rights and the fostering of culture of peace have always been followed by a deep preoccupation with environmental issues, and since the beginning of my professional life I have been working in non-governmental organisations.

I have chosen to dedicate my life to working with sustainable development because both my heart and mind tell me there is not much sense in focusing my energy in anything else, given all the evidence we already have that deep changes must happen to guarantee dignity and well-being for every single person. I agree with those who sense that our global society lives a moment of transition, and truly believe we can work together to overcome the social, economic, environmental and political crisis our civilisation faces.

Since 2011, I have been deeply involved in many activities related to the Rio+20 conference. Together with the Vitae Civilis Institute team, I am in connection with several initiatives by Brazilian and international civil society, and also participating in dialogues with the Brazilian government and the United Nations. Rio+20 comes as a very important moment of convergence, exposing the many challenges we face worldwide, but also creating big opportunities for us to stand up for a fair, peaceful and sustainable world.

Besides everything that was mentioned above, I really enjoy listening to some good music, playing basketball, hiking, reading comic books and practising some magic tricks. And I live on two wheels, always carrying my bike with me!