The president (PT) took his main flags to the front of the G20 for a meeting with mayors and representatives from more than 100 cities in the economic bloc at an Urban 20 meeting in Rio. The PT member defended the need for national governments to help municipalities in combating inequalities, hunger and poverty and tackling the climate crisis to help form cities “inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”.
“The 3 priority axes chosen by the Brazilian presidency of the G20 speak directly to the challenges that thousands of mayors from all over the planet face in their daily lives in their cities”, these.
In his speech, Lula addressed his government’s policies, such as Minha Casa, Minha Vida. Defended a new federative pact for “put public safety as a national priority”.
The president’s speech comes at a time when his government is facing resistance from governors to accept a PEC (proposed amendment to the Constitution) proposed by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security for a national plan for the sector.
“In Brazil, black women are the majority in these territories (favelas). Their children are the biggest victims of inequality and urban violence, which every year claims a number of lives similar to those of the most violent wars. For this reason, I have defended a new federative pact, with the involvement of all Powers, to place public safety as a national priority and keep our youth alive”these.
Lula stated that urban planning will be “crucial” for the ecological transition and in tackling climate change. He said cities are responsible for 70% of greenhouse gas emissions and 75% of global energy consumption.
During the event, the mayor of Rio, (PSD), handed Lula the final Urban 20 document with the demands of around 60 mayors and municipal authorities representing more than 100 cities in countries that are part of the G20.
Local managers requested US$800 billion per year from national governments and development institutions for investment in projects to tackle climate problems until 2030.
According to the group, investment is essential to implement and expand climate projects in cities around the world as global leaders negotiate resource allocations for climate action in adaptation, mitigation and loss and damage.
“Cities cannot finance urban transformation alone. They cannot be neglected in the new climate transition financing mechanisms. Unfortunately, governments are faced with a huge funding gap in the Global South.”said Lula.
The president stated that only a portion of the necessary resources reaches developing countries and an even smaller portion reaches the metropolises of these regions. “There is a deficit in urban financing, which cannot keep up with the pace of disorderly urbanization in many parts of the world, such as Africa, Asia and Latin America,” he said.
Lula once again repudiated the war in the Gaza Strip by defending the reform of global multilateral organizations. “Talking about governance reform also implies repudiating the destruction of wars. The Gaza Strip, one of humanity’s oldest urban settlements (4000 BC), had two thirds of its territory destroyed by indiscriminate bombings, 80% of its health facilities no longer exist. Under its rubble lie more than 40 thousand lives lost. There will be no peace in the cities if there is no peace in the world.”these.
The President of Chile, Gabriel Boric (Frente Amplio, left), and the Chilean Minister of Development, Javiera Toro Cáceres, also participated in the event. They accompanied Lula upon arrival. In addition to the invited mayors, the following also participated:
