International

Brazilian foreign policy has a long tradition of supporting pacifism, sustainable development and multilateral cooperation. South American integration is one of the priorities, with the Mercosul (Southern American Common Market) and Unasul (Union of South American Nations) being important topics.

The country advocates reform of the international system and its institutions in order to change the current global order, with greater participation from developing countries. Following the 2008 crisis, the Brazilian position, which argues that global issues should be discussed by a larger number of nations, has gained support.

The debate on climate change is also part of Brazil's international agenda. In 2009, during COP 15 in Copenhagen, the country proposed further cuts in domestic greenhouse gases emissions from 36.1% to 38.9% by 2020. In 2012 the Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development is to be hosted by Brazil, and will focus on themes of great international importance, including the green economy.

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