The seminar took place in Rio de Janeiro, from 6. December 1995, and was attended by about 60 participants. They discussed how to reinforce the reform potential in the country, and how to make more progress with unsolved problems such as the eradication of poverty. Most importantly, it was observed that the Brazilian government took the opinions of the non-governmental organisations much more seriously than previously. It is not only the new style of President Cardoso and his administration, who have shown themselves open and ready for dialogue with the churches and non-governmental organisations, there is also a perceptible change of consciousness.
Democratisation is no longer a foreign word.
It is also clear on the German side, that the government development aid agencies are increasingly seeing the Churches and non-governmental development organisations as potent partners. The government's measures are simply not enough, especially the very broad campaign against poverty. The Churches and the non-governmental organisations have much greater access to those really affected, the small farmers and those without land. The EZE has long worked together with non-governmental organisations in Brazil, and the results can be clearly seen. The EZE-seminar in Rio de Janeiro induced those responsible to a dialogue.