The G20 leaders, who represent the largest economies globally, came together to discuss urgent global issues, stressing the importance of a unified strategy for ending hunger, providing more assistance to Gaza, and finding solutions to the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. The joint statement released on Monday highlighted these priorities, but received criticism for lacking specific actionable details.
The meeting led by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva dealt with major obstacles such as geopolitical tensions and doubts about reaching agreement. It is worth mentioning that Argentina did not fully support the declaration, which is a rare instance of not all countries agreeing. However, experts praised the document as a diplomatic victory for Brazil in the face of uncertain global dynamics.
Humanitarian Focus: Gaza And Ukraine
The declaration highlighted the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Ukraine. It acknowledged the dire situation in Gaza following the ongoing conflict and called for expanded humanitarian aid, emphasizing the need for a two-state solution with peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine. However, the document did not address the suffering in Israel or the hostages held by Hamas, reflecting divisions among member nations.
Similarly, the statement condemned the human toll of the war in Ukraine while avoiding direct criticism of Russia. U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and called for increased pressure on Hamas. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin, facing an International Criminal Court warrant, was notably absent, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov representing Russia.
Tackling Hunger And Inequality
A significant portion of the summit focused on combating global hunger, a key priority for President Lula. Brazil initiated an international coalition to combat hunger and poverty, receiving backing from 82 countries and entities such as the Rockefeller Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The goal is to tackle the situation of the 733 million individuals who faced hunger in 2023.
The statement also suggested implementing a worldwide tax on billionaires, focusing on approximately 3,000 people globally, with around 100 located in Latin America. This measure, strongly supported by Lula, faced opposition from Argentina’s right-wing President Javier Milei, who also resisted calls for regulating hate speech and advancing the U.N.’s sustainable development goals.
Calls For U.N. Security Council Reform
The G20 renewed its commitment to reforming the United Nations Security Council to reflect modern realities. Lula, a long-time advocate for such changes, pushed for an expanded council that includes underrepresented regions like Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. However, the declaration offered no concrete steps to achieve this goal, highlighting enduring disagreements over how to restructure the council.
A Declaration Of Intent
While the summit succeeded in outlining broad priorities, critics noted the lack of tangible measures. Analysts described the declaration as a “statement of goodwill” rather than a definitive plan of action. Nevertheless, the outcomes represent a diplomatic win for Brazil and signal a collective desire to address global challenges.