Link to the livestream (Spanish and Portuguese), Saturday 12 October
(8:00 Sao Paulo, 13:00 GMT+2)
This year is the second edition of BeDoCare, themed “The Legacy for Future Generations” and taking place in São Paulo, Brazil, from 10 to 12 October. The event brings together participants from over 20 countries, celebrating the 50th anniversary of St. Josemaría's visit to the Americas.
Some of the presentations will be livestreamed and recorded on the BeDoCare YouTube channel.
Program
Day 3: Saturday 12 October
The third day will be a half-day event starting with “Family and Sustainable Development,” with Maria Sophia Aguirre (Catholic International University, United States). This will be followed by the panel “Social Entrepreneurship: Purpose and Sustainability,” featuring representatives from two Brazilian organizations: Robson Melo (Estante Mágica) and Luiza Serpa (Instituto Phi).
Afterward, representatives from the three main participating groups (social initiatives, businesses, and universities) will present their conclusions, and José Paulo Carelli (ISE Business School) will then close the second edition of BeDoCare.
Day 2: Friday 11 October
“The Legacy of Peace and Development for Future Generations,” was the first conference of the day, with Michelle Scobie (University of the West Indies, Trinidad & Tobago). She highlighted the critical role of social organizations in building just and peaceful societies and encouraged participants to continue their missions.
The panel “Partnerships and Co-Creation for Social Development” followed, featuring Alice Damasceno (Lenovo Foundation, Brazil) and Cloves Carvalho (Votorantim, Brazil). They discussed how companies should be aware of their impact and ensure it is positive.
Pietro Cum (Centro Elis, Italy), Eunice Martínez (Fundap, Guatemala), and Francisco Ruiz (Fundación Forge, Chile) shared insights on the challenges young people face in accessing dignified employment and the importance of offering comprehensive training opportunities.
In the afternoon, the Future Building Workshop invited participants to anticipate future developments, explore new paths, identify obstacles, and promote long-term systemic thinking.
The day ended with concluding remarks from Fernanda Lopes (President of the Opus Dei Centenary Committee) and Albert Ribera (Limmat Foundation, Switzerland). They explained the origins of BeDoCare and its mission to maximize synergies among individuals and institutions committed to the common good.
Day 1: Thursday 10 October
On the first day of BeDoCare, Andrea Gomides (Ekloos Foundation) delivered the opening conference, “The Legacy for Future Generations,” highlighting challenges and integration ideas for NGOs, businesses, and universities in Latin America for social impact projects. Héctor Rocha (IAE Business School, Argentina) discussed “Sustainable Comprehensive Development in Latin America,” providing examples of collaborations between civil initiatives and government projects.
Juan Carlos Camelo (Universidad de La Sabana, Colombia) then moderated the panel “Universities, NGOs, and Businesses for Social Impact,” featuring Antonio Abruña (University of Piura, Peru), Vivian Broge (Totvs, Brazil), and Carlos Sánchez (Kinal Foundation, Guatemala).
In the afternoon, participants were invited to join smaller parallel sessions on various topics, such as resources for economic sustainability, communication for non-profit organizations, strategic innovation, and practical tools for social transformation through academia.
The day closended with a conference by Msgr. Mariano Fazio, Auxiliary Vicar of Opus Dei, entitled “The Social Message and Legacy of St. Josemaría 50 Years After His Visit to Latin America.” He summarized the founder’s message regarding the Christian’s responsibility in public life and how it relates to the universal call to holiness. He emphasized two key elements for fulfilling this mission: unity of life and formation in the Church’s social teaching.
About BeDoCare
BeDoCare is a forum open to individuals and organizations committed to the common good and eager to promote positive change. It began with a meeting in Rome from 28 to 30 September 2022, as part of the preparations for the 100th anniversary of Opus Dei and the 20th anniversary of Harambee, an initiative launched during the canonization of St. Josemaría Escrivá.
The São Paulo gathering will offer opportunities for interaction, dialogue, and shared learning between NGOs, businesses, and universities, inspiring creative solutions for complex problems.
Reflecting on the legacy left for future generations requires addressing the responsibilities of businesses, universities, and NGOs regarding their long-lasting socio-environmental impact. A clear focus on social needs and problems allows them to work together to promote dignified work as an essential condition for youth and social progress.
The first BeDoCare meetings brought together 150 participants from 35 countries, representing 90 initiatives, many of which were inspired by the teachings of the founder of Opus Dei. Over three days, participants focused on listening and learning, sharing to co-create, and giving thanks and celebrating, exchanging ideas about the possible social legacy of Opus Dei’s centenary, revitalizing social initiatives, and fostering social concern. A variety of innovative proposals emerged, and participants agreed on the need to continue this space for collaboration.
This year’s edition is organized by Afesu and CEAP, non-profit institutions, with support from ISE Business School. Over the last 60 years, Afesu and CEAP have offered training for children, young people, and adults in vulnerable situations, preparing them through after-school programs and vocational and technical courses to acquire the skills needed to enter the job market.