Challenges faced at the G-20 summit in Brazil

Source: The post challenges faced at the G-20 summit in Brazil has been created, based on the article “Urgent deadline: Poverty and climate change must be tackled urgently by the G-20” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses the challenges faced at the G-20 summit in Brazil. It highlights unmet expectations on tackling global hunger, poverty, and climate justice. Conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine affected discussions. Developing nations urged better representation and climate action.

What were the key goals of the G-20 summit in Brazil?

1. The summit aimed to address global hunger, poverty, and climate justice.
2. Brazilian President Lula Da Silva emphasized taxing the super-rich, proposing a 2% wealth tax to generate over $200 billion.
3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the struggles of the Global South, calling for better global representation.
4. The summit marked the third consecutive G-20 presidency by a Global South country after Indonesia (2022) and India (2023).

For detailed information on Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty read this article here

What challenges affected the summit’s focus?

1. Global Conflicts:
2. October 7 attacks on Israel and Gaza crisis diverted attention.
3. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine complicated forging consensus.
4. The declaration avoided mentioning Russia and only expressed “deep concern” over Gaza, lacking specifics on resolving conflicts.
5. Timing Issues:
6. Held close to COP29, expected to influence the COP29 discussions in Azerbaijan. Issues like climate financing and justice were anticipated to be priorities.
7. However, the U.S. presidential election results might impact future commitments, especially with Donald Trump’s administration likely disregarding climate goals.
8. Diluted Commitments:
9. Key topics like poverty and hunger lacked strong action plans.
10. Lula’s proposed 2% wealth tax on the super-rich was not adopted.

What is the role of the Global South in shaping future G-20 goals?

1. The quartet of Indonesia, India, Brazil, and South Africa must ensure the next summit prioritizes poverty, hunger, and climate issues.
2. South Africa will host the 2024 G-20, creating an opportunity to solidify these concerns.
3. COP30 in Brazil (2025) links G-20 outcomes to climate justice. With the U.S. hosting G-20 in 2026, the Global South must ensure concrete actions by then.

Question for practice:

Discuss the challenges faced by the G-20 summit in Brazil and their impact on addressing global issues like hunger, poverty, and climate justice.