Global leaders have begun arriving in Brasília for a pivotal G20 summit hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, with climate change, poverty, and international conflicts dominating the agenda. The summit seeks to reignite stalled global climate negotiations while addressing the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, which have deeply divided member states.
1. Climate Change and COP29
Discussions will focus on unlocking $1 trillion annually to help developing nations combat climate change. Rich nations are urging fast-developing economies like China and Gulf states to contribute more significantly. Lula aims to push for a “Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty” and higher taxation on billionaires to tackle global inequities.
2. Ukraine and Middle East Conflicts
The wars in Ukraine and Gaza loom large over the discussions. U.S. President Joe Biden, attending his final G20 summit, recently approved the use of long-range missiles by Ukraine to strike targets in Russia, potentially reshaping European allies’ stances. Brazilian officials revealed that some nations are pushing to reopen parts of the draft communique regarding these wars.
3. Security Concerns
Security in Brasília is tight following a failed bomb attack on Brazil’s Supreme Court by a suspected far-right extremist day earlier.
President Lula, a staunch advocate for fighting global poverty and climate change, will host as the U.S. transitions leadership under Biden, whose presidency is winding down. Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to dominate this year’s meeting as one of the most influential voices, particularly in the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: President Tinubu to Attend G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil
Brazil, the G20’s host, has positioned itself as a mediator, with Lula expressing concerns that the focus on conflicts could overshadow urgent issues like poverty and hunger. Despite internal opposition from Argentine delegates on certain proposals, officials are optimistic about reaching consensus on the summit’s final declaration.
The summit comes amid growing global pressure on G20 nations, which account for 80% of global emissions, to lead the fight against climate change. Calls for tripling renewable energy sources and debates over phasing out fossil fuels are expected to dominate discussions.
This year’s summit underscores the urgency of collective action as the world grapples with escalating geopolitical tensions and environmental crises.
