Perspective: G 20 BRASIL 2024 | 19 November, 2024

Summary

The G20 Summit in Brazil, inaugurated by President Lula, focused on combating hunger, poverty, and the impact of global crises on the Global South. Prime Minister Modi emphasized India's efforts in poverty alleviation, including lifting 250 million people from poverty and providing free food grains to 800 million. The summit also highlighted the importance of multilateral cooperation and addressing climate change, with Brazil advocating for sustainable development. Amid geopolitical tensions, India continued its leadership role, particularly in voicing the concerns of developing nations and fostering collaboration with Africa and other Global South countries.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 2024 G20 Summit in Brazil focuses on combating hunger, poverty, and inequality, continuing the people-centric agenda initiated during India's 2023 G20 presidency.
• 😀 Brazilian President Lula launched a global alliance against hunger, highlighting the shameful number of 733 million undernourished people worldwide.
• 😀 Prime Minister Modi emphasized India's success in reducing poverty, noting that 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty in the last decade.
• 😀 India is providing free food grains to 800 million people, demonstrating its commitment to addressing hunger both domestically and globally.
• 😀 The global food, fuel, and fertilizer crises, worsened by the Russia-Ukraine war, are central concerns at the G20, with developing nations, especially from the Global South, urging action.
• 😀 India's G20 presidency in 2023 was marked by its strong advocacy for the Global South, culminating in the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent G20 member.
• 😀 Brazil's G20 presidency continues to prioritize sustainable development, with a focus on global food security, climate action, and reforms to multilateral platforms.
• 😀 The importance of the Global South's voice in international discussions is being reinforced at the G20, with India playing a key role in advocating for developing countries.
• 😀 Diplomatic relations were strengthened through bilateral talks, including between India and the UK on economic offenders, and India and China on regional security.
• 😀 The G20 is seen as a critical platform for tackling global challenges like hunger, poverty, and climate change, with leaders focusing on both global cooperation and actionable solutions.

Q & A

What was the primary focus of the G20 Summit in Brazil in 2024?

The G20 Summit in Brazil in 2024 focused on addressing global hunger, poverty, and inequality, with Brazilian President Lula emphasizing the launch of a global alliance to combat hunger and poverty. The summit also highlighted the need for stronger multilateral cooperation to address issues like food security and sustainable development.

How did Prime Minister Modi contribute to the discussion on hunger and poverty at the G20 Summit?

Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's efforts to combat hunger and poverty, including pulling 250 million people out of poverty in the last decade. He also emphasized India's role in distributing free food grains to 800 million people and supporting food security initiatives in Africa and other parts of the world.

What was the significance of the African Union's inclusion in the G20?

The inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20, under India's presidency, was a significant step towards increasing the representation of the Global South in global economic governance. This move aimed to ensure that the voices and concerns of developing nations, particularly from Africa, are heard and addressed in international discussions.

How does Brazil's G20 presidency continue the work of India's G20 presidency in 2023?

Brazil's G20 presidency continues the work of India's 2023 presidency by focusing on similar global challenges, particularly hunger, poverty, and inequality. Both presidencies emphasize the importance of strengthening the Global South’s role in multilateral platforms, with a focus on sustainable development, food security, and climate change.

What challenges are highlighted in relation to food security at the G20 Summit?

One major challenge highlighted is the persistence of hunger despite the world producing sufficient food, with 733 million people still undernourished. The summit also discussed the food, fertilizer, and fuel crises exacerbated by ongoing conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war, and their disproportionate impact on the Global South.

What actions did India take during the pandemic that showcased its global leadership?

During the pandemic, India provided vaccines and medical assistance to over 150 countries, despite its own large population. India’s commitment to being a global partner was demonstrated through initiatives such as vaccine distribution and online health seminars for foreign health workers.

How is India addressing climate change within the G20 framework?

India has been actively involved in climate change discussions within the G20, advocating for transparent mechanisms for reducing carbon emissions. India also pioneered initiatives such as the Solar Alliance and the Biofuel Alliance, and promotes the concept of 'One Earth, One Grid,' emphasizing renewable energy collaboration, especially with Brazil.

What role does multilateralism play in addressing the global challenges discussed at the G20?

Multilateralism plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges by bringing together nations to collaborate on solutions. The G20 serves as a key platform for dialogue, allowing world leaders to share ideas and coordinate actions, such as funding for climate change, solutions for food security, and addressing poverty.

What was discussed regarding economic offenders at the G20 Summit?

A significant issue discussed was the extradition of economic offenders who have sought refuge in countries like the UK. Prime Minister Modi raised the issue with the UK Prime Minister, seeking to resolve the deadlock and expedite the extradition process. The UK Prime Minister also indicated a willingness to advance the India-UK Free Trade Agreement.

How do geopolitical issues, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict, impact the G20 agenda?

Geopolitical issues, like the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict, are critical concerns in the G20 discussions, as they influence global security, food, and energy supply chains. These conflicts add complexity to addressing global issues like poverty and hunger, and the G20 leaders must find ways to engage diplomatically to mitigate the impacts of these conflicts on global stability.