Genfest is an event that takes place every six years at an international level and in 2024 it was hosted for the first time in Brazil. We at AMU were also in Aparecida, in the state of São Paulo, together with people from all over the world, to celebrate peace and universal brotherhood.
OUR DICE AT GENFEST!
These have been intense days, which began for us with the inevitable Dice of Peace . 
In the Padre Vitor Coelho de Almeida Square in Aparecida, our Carlos inaugurated the first Interreligious Dice for Peace. An initiative organized by Living Peace International and Genfest 2024 itself, with the support of the local government. Inspired by the Dice of Love created by Chiara Lubich, this dice presents the proposals of six major religions on how to achieve peace. It is not the only one in Brazil: there are 34 others in different thematic versions. The commitment to peace in Aparecida does not end here: the local government will present a bill to establish the Day of Peace, with the aim of encouraging people to engage in actions that promote peace.
AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE: THE THREE PHASES OF GENFEST
Aparecida is a beautiful place. Lia – responsible for the AMU Cooperation sector – lived intensely these days at Genfest, participating in the different phases of the event: “In the first phase, we experimented through concrete actions the construction of care spaces in different realities of Latin America. An experience that allowed us to learn about new cultures and to actively commit ourselves for the common good.” The central phase was that of pure celebration and communion: “We have experienced unforgettable moments of sharing, music, dance and life stories from people of all ages who are already making a difference in the world to change the rules of the game.” 
Finally, the participants divided into groups to delve into different topics, from economics to politics, from interculturalism to human rights, from peace to health, from ecology to sport: “We discussed how to design a better future together.”
THE EMOTIONS OF GENFEST: A SONG OF HOPE FOR A BETTER WORLD
“This Genfest was not just a party” Lia continues with a voice full of emotions to be processed, to be allowed to settle, “but a cry of hope against the injustices that afflict our world. Wars, economic exploitation, social injustices and global inequalities: these pains were the starting point of this extraordinary event. They were not left out”.
Yet , the joy and beauty of life triumphed . Music, dance, colors and art filled the air, creating a contagious festive atmosphere. In every smile, in every hug, Lia could feel the strength of a humanity that does not give up, that believes in a better future. “I was deeply moved by the young people’s confrontation with the challenges of our time. Their passion, their desire to change the world gave me new hope.” The focus on inequalities and poverty is a key theme for AMU: “During the meetings we reflected on how we can act with greater impact to build a more just and sustainable world. The creativity, innovation and energy of young people are a precious resource that we cannot ignore”.