As G20 leaders gather in Rio de Janeiro, the agenda focuses on combating poverty, enhancing climate financing, and addressing multilateral initiatives, all under the shadow of Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House.
President Joe Biden, attending his final summit as a “lame duck,” is overshadowed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who positions himself as a global leader against Trump’s “America First” policies.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva aims to spotlight Global South issues and climate change, leveraging his hosting duties at the iconic bayside museum of modern art.
Security is heightened following a recent failed bomb attack on Brazil’s Supreme Court by a suspected far-right extremist.
This summit concludes Biden’s farewell diplomatic tour, which included a historic visit to the Amazon. Biden emphasizes his enduring climate legacy despite the looming threat of another Trump administration.
Coinciding with the COP29 climate conference in Azerbaijan, the G20 summit draws global attention as leaders seek breakthroughs in climate finance for developing nations. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urges G20 members, responsible for 80% of global emissions, to demonstrate leadership.
Despite resistance, Brazilian diplomats remain hopeful for progress, especially with fast-developing nations like China hesitant to join wealthy countries in funding climate initiatives.
The meeting occurs during a year marked by severe weather events, including Brazil’s worst wildfire season in a decade, partly attributed to climate change.
While the last G20 in India called for tripling renewable energy by 2030, it stopped short of ending fossil fuel use. Notably absent is Russian President Vladimir Putin, who cited potential disruption as a reason for his absence.
Lula insists on prioritizing poverty and hunger over current conflicts, advocating for a “Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty.” He promises a future where the world’s 733 million hungry people will find hope.
Brazil also proposes higher taxes on billionaires. Despite initial resistance from Argentina, a Brazilian diplomatic source confirmed that G20 negotiators have agreed on a draft final statement for leader approval.
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