The 2024 G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro brought together global leaders to address critical issues like the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, climate change, poverty, and international security, emphasizing multilateral cooperation and the evolving influence of the Global South.
New Delhi: The G20 Summit 2024, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from November 19 to 20, brought together world leaders to address a range of critical global issues. Under the theme “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” the summit focused on solutions for poverty, hunger, climate change, global governance reform, and more. This year’s summit highlighted the growing importance of the Global South, showcasing a commitment to creating more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable solutions to pressing global challenges.
Achievements of Brazil’s G20 Presidency
The Brazilian presidency of the G20, led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, was marked by significant achievements aimed at advancing global cooperation on key issues. In his closing speech on November 19, President Lula outlined the outcomes of Brazil’s leadership, emphasizing both progress and ongoing challenges.
- G20 Social Summit: One of the key achievements of Brazil’s presidency was the creation of the G20 Social Summit. This new platform was designed to address social issues, such as hunger, poverty, and inequality, by creating actionable plans to support vulnerable populations.
- Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) Reform: Brazil introduced a roadmap for improving the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), emphasizing their role in promoting sustainable development in the Global South.
- Women’s Empowerment: A Women’s Empowerment Working Group was established to champion gender equality in decision-making processes across the world.
- Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 18: Brazil also ensured the inclusion of SDG 18, focusing on “ethnic-racial equality”. This was a critical step toward addressing the systemic inequalities faced by racial and ethnic minorities globally.
- Renewable Energy Commitment: Another highlight of Brazil’s leadership was the commitment to increasing renewable energy production by 2023, a necessary step in the global fight against climate change.
- Access to Medicines: Brazil played a crucial role in promoting the Coalition for the Local and Regional Production of Vaccines and Medicines, advocating for investment in public policies to improve access to vaccines and medicines in underserved areas.
President Lula proudly noted that over 140 meetings were held across 15 Brazilian cities, contributing to the productive discussions and consensus-building that characterized Brazil’s leadership.
Key Global Discussions at the G20 Summit
The Rio de Janeiro G20 Declaration was an ambitious document, aiming to tackle global challenges and promote a future of strong, sustainable, and inclusive growth. Three main priorities dominated the discussions:
1. Social Inclusion and the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty
The G20 leaders launched the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, an initiative designed to eradicate poverty and hunger. This partnership includes 148 members, such as 82 countries, the African Union, and the European Union. Key goals of this initiative include:
- Reaching 500 million people with cash transfer programs in low- and lower-middle-income countries by 2030.
- Expanding high-quality school meals to an additional 150 million children in vulnerable regions.
The Global Coalition for Local and Regional Production, Innovation, and Equitable Access was also launched, aimed at ensuring access to vaccines, diagnostics, and other health technologies for neglected diseases and vulnerable populations.
2. Sustainable Development, Energy Transitions, and Climate Action
Climate change remained a central topic at the summit. Leaders emphasized the urgent need for climate finance to support developing nations in their transition to a green economy. A significant development was the creation of the Task Force on Global Mobilization against Climate Change, tasked with identifying barriers to private capital flows for climate action, especially in developing countries.
The summit also reaffirmed commitments made at COP29 in Azerbaijan, agreeing to enhance financing for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. However, the Global South leaders insisted on a greater commitment from wealthier nations to fulfill their climate finance pledges.
3. Global Conflicts and Humanitarian Concerns
The G20 leaders issued a joint statement on the humanitarian crises stemming from conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. They expressed “deep concern” over the catastrophic situation in Gaza and called for more aid, civilian protection, and a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon. The escalating war in Ukraine was also acknowledged, with leaders focusing on the “human suffering” and economic consequences of the conflict. Despite diplomatic tensions, especially with Russia’s absence (represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov), the leaders reached a narrow consensus on these global conflicts.
4. Reform of Global Governance Institutions
Leaders agreed that global governance institutions, such as the United Nations Security Council, need reform to reflect the political and economic realities of the 21st century. They called for a more inclusive, effective, and democratic system that better represents the diverse global population.
Another significant outcome was the endorsement of the G20 Roadmap for Better, Bigger, and More Effective MDBs, aiming to boost global development by making these institutions more responsive to the needs of developing nations.
Strained Relations: India, Canada, and the United States
Amid the cooperation and agreements, the G20 Summit 2024 also witnessed tense moments, particularly between leaders from India and Canada. The two countries have had a strained relationship since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023.
Despite the tensions, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were seen interacting during a G20 family photo on November 19, alongside U.S. President Joe Biden. The photo captured the leaders in an awkward yet notable moment, symbolizing the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the nations. Modi also publicly condemned anti-India violence in Canada, such as the attack on a Hindu temple by pro-Khalistan radicals earlier that month, further underscoring the strained relations.
This incident highlighted the geopolitical rifts that remain unresolved, affecting the broader discussions at the summit. While Canada and India held differing views, the G20 provided a platform to at least engage in dialogue despite these underlying tensions.
U.S. President Biden’s Role at the Summit
U.S. President Joe Biden attended the summit as he nears the end of his presidency. His participation was marked by moments that were symbolic of his legacy and the shifting global dynamics. Biden’s remarks on climate change and global cooperation were widely covered, but his actions—such as a peculiar moment walking into the Brazilian jungle after delivering a speech—left some questioning the future of U.S. foreign policy, especially with Donald Trump’s potential return to the presidency.
Biden’s remarks were notably brief, and he did not engage deeply with the media, leaving many to speculate about the future direction of U.S. diplomacy, particularly regarding Ukraine and Russia. As global leaders braced for what could be a dramatic shift in U.S. policies under a new administration, Biden’s approach at the summit reflected a more retiring and reflective role, as if preparing for a transition of power.
China’s Role and Support for Developing Nations
Chinese President Xi Jinping also made significant contributions at the summit. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting developing nations, especially in the Global South. Xi outlined new measures for trade facilitation, scientific collaboration, and the promotion of green energy initiatives. China’s growing influence in global affairs was evident, as Xi’s address resonated with many leaders from developing countries.
India’s Vision for a Multipolar World Order
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s leadership in sustainable agriculture and digital infrastructure, emphasizing the country’s commitment to food security and climate resilience. Modi presented India’s millet production initiative, Sri Anna, as an example of sustainable farming that supports both nutrition and environmental protection. India’s focus on sustainable agriculture and digital public infrastructure was underscored as a model for inclusive development.
India also focused on the need for reform in global governance, praising the inclusion of the African Union in G20, additionally calling for changes to the UN Security Council and the World Bank to reflect the growing power of emerging economies. Modi stressed that a multipolar world was essential to ensuring global justice and fairness, echoing the sentiments of other leaders from the Global South.
Conclusion: A Summit for the Future
The G20 Summit 2024 in Rio de Janeiro was a critical moment in shaping the future of global governance. From addressing the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Ukraine to launching initiatives for poverty reduction, climate action, and global economic reform, the summit marked a pivotal step towards a more inclusive and sustainable global order.
With South Africa set to take over the G20 presidency in 2025, the momentum toward addressing issues affecting the Global South is likely to continue, ensuring that the voices of developing nations are more prominently featured in global decision-making processes.
As world leaders move forward, the G20 Summit 2024 serves as both a reflection of the current geopolitical landscape and a blueprint for the future, highlighting the urgency of cooperation and inclusive policies to address the profound challenges facing the world.
FAQs
1. What was the theme of the G20 Summit 2024?
The theme was “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” focusing on social inclusion, sustainable development, and governance reforms.
2. What are the goals of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty?
The alliance aims to provide cash transfer programs to 500 million people and expand school meal access to 150 million children by 2030.
3. How did the G20 address climate change?
The summit established a Task Force to address barriers to climate finance and reaffirmed commitments to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C.
4. What reforms were proposed for global governance institutions?
The G20 pledged to make the UN Security Council more inclusive, democratic, and accountable and endorsed a roadmap for enhancing MDBs.
5. Who will host the next G20 Summit?
South Africa will host the 2025 G20 Summit, continuing the focus on sustainable development and global equity.
