The G20 countries quickly agreed on a final declaration containing the main projects of the host country in Brazil: the fight against hunger and the taxation of the super-rich. On other subjects there was only minimal consensus.
Surprisingly, the G20 countries agreed on a final joint declaration on the first day of their summit in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil managed to incorporate the most important points of its G20 presidency into the document – including the fight against hunger and global warming
Heads of state and government of industrialized and emerging countries are trying to work towards effective taxation of the super-rich in the future. “We will do our best to work together to ensure” that ultra-high net worth individuals are effectively taxed,” the document said. Mechanisms should be developed to combat tax evasion.
The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty was launched in Rio de Janeiro. There is a lack of knowledge or resources, but there is political will to give people access to food, says the final declaration.
None Climate finance
The 20 industrialized and developing countries also reaffirmed the internationally agreed goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees. However, there was no progress on the funding issue. Here the explanation is unclear. The heads of state and government mention the sum as “a trillion dollars” which should come “from all sources” – without elaborating.
The document also only mentions phasing out “inefficient fossil fuel subsidies” – rather than phasing out fossil fuels themselves.
Minimal consensus regarding Ukraine and the Middle East
In view of the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, only minimal consensus could be reached in the final declaration. As happened at the summit in India last year, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is no longer explicitly condemned by the majority of countries. This was still the case at the meeting in Bali two years ago. Again Russia – itself a member of the G20 – is not mentioned in the passage about the war in Ukraine. It is only a general reference to “human suffering and additional negative impacts of war”, for example on food and energy security.
From Germany’s point of view, not only is this passage difficult to accept, but also the one about the war in the Middle East. There is no mention of a Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Before the summit, it was said in German government circles that such an outcome of the negotiations would be “unacceptable”.
In the statement, the Group of 20 expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the escalation in Lebanon. Humanitarian aid must be urgently expanded and the protection of the civilian population strengthened – a clear message to Israel. The G20 also reaffirmed the Palestinian right to self-determination and an “unwavering commitment” to a two-state solution.
The two conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East are the biggest divisions between the G20 states. It includes major Western democracies such as the USA, Germany and Great Britain, but also authoritarian states such as Russia and China. Host Brazil, as well as countries such as India and South Africa, are between the two camps.
Anne Herrberg, Rio de Janeiro, tagesschau, November 19, 2024 9:30 am
What were the key agreements reached during the G20 summit regarding global hunger and taxation?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and G20 Expert
Time.news Editor: Good evening, and welcome to our discussion on the recent G20 summit held in Rio de Janeiro. Today, we have with us Dr. Elena Martinez, an expert in international relations and global economic policy. Welcome, Dr. Martinez!
Dr. Elena Martinez: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Time.news Editor: The G20 summit concluded with a surprising level of agreement among member countries, particularly around fighting hunger and the taxation of the super-rich. Could you elaborate on how Brazil managed to broker this consensus?
Dr. Elena Martinez: Absolutely. Brazil’s presidency came at a critical time, especially with pressing global issues such as hunger and inequality coming to the forefront. The final declaration reflects a strong political will among leaders to address these challenges. The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, for instance, is a significant step toward mobilizing resources and knowledge to ensure food access for all.
Time.news Editor: It’s encouraging to hear about the focus on hunger. However, the declaration also expressed a commitment to effectively tax ultra-high net worth individuals. What mechanisms do you think could be implemented to combat tax evasion?
Dr. Elena Martinez: Tackling tax evasion is indeed a complex issue, but the G20 leaders highlighted the need for better cooperation and the development of mechanisms to enhance transparency. This could include shared databases of financial information, improved enforcement of existing tax laws, and international agreements to close loopholes that allow wealth to escape taxation.
Time.news Editor: While there was consensus on hunger and taxation, the report indicates a lack of progress in climate finance. What do you think was the main hurdle in discussing climate issues during this summit?
Dr. Elena Martinez: That’s a crucial point. The primary challenge lies in the divergent interests of member countries regarding fossil fuel dependency. While leaders reaffirmed their commitment to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees, the details—including the funding for climate initiatives—are still vague. Mentioning “a trillion dollars” without specifics demonstrates the ongoing struggle to balance development needs with climate commitments.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of divergent interests, the summit’s conclusions on the Ukraine conflict were quite minimal. Why do you think the declaration stepped back from explicitly condemning Russia this time?
Dr. Elena Martinez: That’s indicative of the geopolitical reality within the G20, where members have differing views on the Ukraine war. By opting for more general language about “human suffering,” the countries are sidestepping direct confrontation. This reflects a tentative consensus aimed at maintaining dialogue, particularly as nations balance their political and economic ties with Russia.
Time.news Editor: It seems the summit achieved some notable aims but also highlighted significant divisions. What does this mean for the future effectiveness of the G20?
Dr. Elena Martinez: The G20 remains an essential platform for global cooperation, but the contrasting priorities of its members can complicate unified action. The recent summit underscores the necessity for continued dialogue and compromise on critical issues. The success of future summits will hinge on addressing these divisions while finding common ground on pressing global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and international conflicts.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for your insights on the G20 summit! It’s clear that while there is potential for collaboration, significant challenges remain ahead.
Dr. Elena Martinez: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing these important issues.
Time.news Editor: And to our viewers, thank you for joining us on this insightful conversation about the G20 summit. Stay tuned for more updates and analyses on global events.