G20 Faces Challenges in Combating Hunger, Inequality, and Establishing New Global Governance

José Reinaldo Carvalho
Journalist, international editor of Brasil 247

The 19th G20 Summit in Brazil, held on November 18 and 19 under the theme "Building a Fair World and a Sustainable Planet," holds political significance that transcends pragmatic negotiations and signals a shift in the direction of this group, which has historically been polarized by the interests of imperialist powers.

This year's event reflects Brazil's and other developing and less-developed countries' expectation of confronting the global crisis through the lens of multipolarity, the fight for justice, democratic global governance, and addressing serious environmental problems. Brazilian diplomacy successfully negotiated an agenda to navigate insoluble controversies on the most contentious issues of today, related to the war in Ukraine and Israel's genocide in Palestine. Regarding these conflicts, the Final Declaration offered a generic approach to achieve consensus and had the merit of advocating for a ceasefire, which in practice means demanding an end to the genocide in Gaza.

Lula emphasized his proposal to create an alliance against hunger and poverty and tax the super-rich, achieving full success. Brazil assumed leadership with an agenda that reflects the urgent demands of the Global South. By prioritizing the fight against poverty and inequality, promoting sustainability, and reforming global governance, the Brazilian government demonstrated a clear commitment to progressive values.

The G20 in Rio de Janeiro may be remembered as a moment when opportunities opened up for comprehensive action to redefine the direction of the planet.

The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty has already gained widespread support. The proposal was conceived by Brazil with the aim of accelerating global efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty. In addition to more than 80 countries, the European and African Unions, 24 international organizations, nine financial institutions, and 31 philanthropic and non-governmental organizations have announced their adherence.

The Global Alliance aims to reach 500 million people with income transfer programs in low- and lower-middle-income countries by 2030, expand quality school meals to 150 million more children in countries with endemic child poverty and hunger, and raise billions in credit and donations through multilateral development banks to implement these and other programs.

A significant aspect of the summit that underscores efforts to establish a new standard of international cooperation is the role of China and its leader Xi Jinping, who captured the spirit of the moment by advocating for inclusive globalization and a multipolar world where all nations have a voice and relevance. This vision aligns with progressive ideals that view multilateralism and multipolarity not only as pragmatic necessities but also as opportunities to redefine the foundations of the international system, traditionally marked by structural inequalities and unilateral hegemonies. Over the past decades, China has shown that it is possible to combine economic development with large-scale poverty reduction and actively participate in international forums for genuine multilateralism and multipolarity.

Another noteworthy aspect of this G20 summit is the role of the African Union, whose presence in the group is solidifying, a fact that should be seen as a historic milestone. This inclusion recognizes the relevance of developing nations in tackling contemporary challenges.

The final declaration, an extensive document, expresses in its 85 points generic intentions to build a world where social and inter-nation inequalities are overcome, crises are addressed, and policies leading to development, peace, environmental protection, and new standards of global governance are adopted. "We remain resolute in our commitment to combat hunger, poverty, and inequality, promote sustainable development in its economic, social, and environmental dimensions, and reform global governance," states the Declaration.

The document reflects the possible consensus among such disparate countries. Obviously, the achievement of the proclaimed goals is still distant in a world dominated by imperialist powers, capitalist oppression and exploitation, neoliberal economic policies, and the militarism and wars of these powers.

Building a multipolar, inclusive world with social justice will not be achieved through speeches alone. It is necessary to go beyond promises and adopt concrete measures. Reforming global institutions to make them more democratic is essential. The struggle of peoples and nations for their independence is indispensable to achieving these gains.