(CLO) The G20 Summit in Brazil issued a statement by its leaders on Monday (November 18), calling for "action" to address the many crises facing the globe, such as armed conflict, climate change, and other major issues.
Despite concerns, the 22-page, 85-point document also offered an optimistic outlook on the future economic outlook. "We are living in a time of great geopolitical , socio-economic, climate, and environmental challenges and crises that demand urgent action," the leaders stated in a joint declaration at the two-day conference.
"We see positive prospects for a soft landing of the global economy , although challenges remain and some recession risks have increased amid rising uncertainty."
Leaders attending the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, pose for a group photo after launching the "Global Alliance Against Poverty" on November 18, 2024. Photo: AP
Inequality is "the root of most global challenges."
One of the most contentious issues, both at the G20 and the Asia -Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum a few days earlier in Peru, which many leaders also attended, was how to shape the two ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
While APEC largely avoided the issue, citing its economic, consensus-based focus, the G20 condemned the use of military force. The G20 statement asserted that such force undermines the territorial integrity or political independence of any nation.
"We highlight the human suffering and the escalating negative impacts of the war on global food and energy security, supply chains, macroeconomic financial stability, inflation, and growth," the statement said regarding Ukraine, adding that any peace initiatives would be welcome.
This comes amid reports that President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to launch US-made long-range missiles into Russian territory, a move that Moscow condemned.
Regarding Gaza and Lebanon, the G20 statement called for a ceasefire, expanded humanitarian aid, and a two-state solution "where Israel and a Palestinian state live side-by-side in peace within secure and recognized borders, in accordance with international law."
The leaders also stressed the need to address poverty and global warming, issues that Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has prioritized over the past year.
The G20 remains the leading forum for international economic cooperation and therefore has a vital responsibility in fostering a vibrant economy, the statement said.
This includes an acknowledgment that inequality is "at the root of most of the global challenges we face," the statement added. "The world demands not only urgent action, but also socially equitable, environmentally and economically sustainable measures." The leaders pledged to promote strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth.
Calls for reform of international institutions
The leaders also called for comprehensive reforms of international institutions at a time when voters worldwide are increasingly turning away from them for failing to adequately address global inequality.
A view of the second session of the G20 Leaders' Summit, themed "Reforming Global Governance Institutions". Photo: G20 Rio
"There will be no sustainability or prosperity without peace," the leaders said, advocating for significant changes to global governance, particularly within the United Nations system.
Brazil, along with Germany, India, Japan, and other major Southern Hemisphere powers, has long advocated for a seat on the United Nations Security Council. However, the likelihood of this happening anytime soon is slim, as the five permanent members of the Security Council – the United Kingdom, China, France, Russia, and the United States – remain reluctant to agree on new members.
The G20 also supports reforms to major financial institutions, including the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), calling for another seat on the IMF's executive board to broaden representation for Sub-Saharan Africa.
The statement went on to call for a revision of the IMF's quotas to empower poorer nations. Established after World War II, the Washington-based IMF is heavily influenced by the United States and European countries.
Regarding artificial intelligence (AI), G20 leaders acknowledged its potential while recognizing the associated risks. A statement on Monday highlighted concerns about AI in the workplace, with leaders agreeing to establish guidelines in this rapidly developing field.
In his speech at Session II of the conference, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that artificial intelligence should not be "a game for the rich and the rich," and called for enhanced governance and international cooperation on AI.
Finally, the statement from the G20 leaders, the group of the world's 20 most developed economies, emphasized in its conclusion: "We remain committed to supporting developing countries in responding to global crises and challenges."
Huy Hoang (according to G20 Rio, SCMP, AP)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/hoi-nghi-g20-keu-goi-hanh-dong-giai-quyet-khung-hoang-ukraine-trung-dong-va-bien-doi-khi-hau-post321924.html
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