At the end of a first day of intense debates at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, G20 leaders adopted the final declaration, marking a return to consensus after two years of impasse. It was a triumph for the diplomacy of President Lula da Silva, who was able to put forward his vision of more inclusive global governance and a more just and sustainable world.
The document addresses thorny issues, including conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, while supporting a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon. He also endorses the idea of reforms to make global governance more efficient and more representative, as well as cooperating to “effectively” tax very wealthy individuals, initiatives promoted by Lula to reduce inequalities and hailed as a “historic” step. .
This consensus was welcomed by observers. According to Ronaldo Carmona, analyst at the Brazilian Center for International Relations, the outcome of this declaration reflects a remarkable achievement in a context of exacerbated global polarization between the G7 and NATO on the one hand, and the emerging economies grouped within the BRICS , on the other.
“The crisis of multilateralism is structural. Achieving a joint declaration, despite the current radicalization, particularly on the war in Ukraine, is a success of the Brazilian presidency,” he declared, emphasizing that the G20 remains the only space where these blocs can still dialog.
The adoption of the declaration reflects Lula’s ability to influence multilateral dialog and unite nations such as the United States, Russia, China and Germany. Even Javier Milei’s Argentina, initially skeptical, ended up supporting the text thanks to concerted mediation by Joe Biden and Xi Jinping, thus avoiding diplomatic isolation.
One of the big results was the launch of the Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. Already bringing together 148 members, including 82 countries, this initiative aims to reach half a billion people by 2030.
“This will be our greatest legacy,” said Lula, a former worker who made the fight against poverty a personal fight.
“A true global fight. It must continue,” wrote Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission on X, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the role of this initiative for food security and improving the conditions of the most vulnerable.
While it is true that Brazil has been able to take advantage of its presidency of the G20 to carry out bold projects, climate ambitions remain muted. Three days before the end of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the summit failed to provide a decisive boost, while the bloc represents 80% of global greenhouse gas emissions and accounts for 85% of GDP. global.
Lula nonetheless urged leaders to act, calling it a “fight for survival.”
While South Africa has taken the reins of the G20, Brazil is preparing to take on other challenges next year: the presidency of the BRICS and the hosting of the COP30 in Belém, in the heart of the Amazon .
Interviewer: Good afternoon and welcome to this special edition of Time.news. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Ronaldo Carmona, an analyst at the Brazilian Center for International Relations, following the significant outcomes of the recent G20 summit held at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro. Thank you for joining us, Ronaldo!
Ronaldo Carmona: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right in. The final declaration from the G20 summit made headlines around the world. Many are calling it a significant achievement for President Lula da Silva’s diplomatic leadership. What stood out to you the most about this declaration?
Ronaldo Carmona: Absolutely, the final declaration is indeed a remarkable achievement, particularly in a time of intense global polarization. What stood out to me was the commitment to address critical issues, such as the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. The explicit support for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon is especially crucial.
Interviewer: That’s interesting. Can you elaborate on how this declaration represents a shift toward more inclusive global governance?
Ronaldo Carmona: Yes, the document embodies President Lula’s vision of a more representative global governance structure. His emphasis on effective taxation of the wealthiest individuals aims to reduce inequalities—a topic that resonates deeply in today’s world. This consensus not only reflects a move toward inclusivity but shows that despite deep divides, dialog is still possible.
Interviewer: You mentioned global polarization between groups like G7 and BRICS. How significant is it that the G20 remains a platform for dialog among these differing factions?
Ronaldo Carmona: The G20 is increasingly crucial as it remains one of the few forums for these blocs to interact. The summit demonstrated that even in an environment of radicalization, particularly regarding the Ukraine conflict, leaders can come together to find common ground. This is a testament to the necessity of multilateralism in resolving global challenges.
Interviewer: Some might argue that the G20 has been struggling with a crisis of effectiveness. Do you believe this summit marked a turning point for multilateralism?
Ronaldo Carmona: This summit indeed highlights the structural crisis of multilateralism, but achieving a joint declaration amidst such challenges can be seen as a breath of fresh air. It’s a critical step towards restoring faith in these institutions. It shows that, while there are significant obstacles, progress is still attainable through cooperation.
Interviewer: Going forward, what do you think are the most pressing issues the G20 must address to ensure its relevance?
Ronaldo Carmona: The G20 must tackle climate change, economic inequalities, and geopolitical tensions effectively. It needs to evolve to represent emerging economies better and ensure that diverse voices are heard. Keeping the dialog alive among divided factions is also paramount for addressing future crises.
Interviewer: Thank you, Ronaldo, for your insights on this pivotal moment in global diplomacy. It’s clear that the road ahead for multilateralism is complex, but there’s hope in continued dialog.
Ronaldo Carmona: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing these critical topics with you.
Interviewer: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay engaged with Time.news for more analysis on global events and their implications. Until next time!