The word Ukraine appears mentioned only once in the declaration by the G20 leaders, which includes countries such as the United States, Russia, China, France, among others. At no point is Russia explicitly mentioned in the section on the conflict in Ukraine
G20 leaders managed to reach consensus on a final declaration at the annual summit, in which they highlight the global alliance against hunger, but with reduced mention of various regional conflicts and the tax on the super-rich.
Social inclusion and the fight against hunger and poverty, sustainable development, energy transitions and climate action and the reform of global governance institutions, priorities of the Brazilian presidency, were enshrined in the leaders’ declaration with the objective of “guiding actions towards results concrete.”
However, in relation to the conflicts in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, the leaders of the world’s largest economies only emphasize “the urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance” and “support for a comprehensive ceasefire” in both territories.
The word Ukraine appears mentioned only once in the statement by the G20 leaders, which includes countries such as the United States, Russia, China, France, among others, highlighting “human suffering and the additional negative impacts of the war” and welcoming “all relevant and constructive initiatives that support a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, upholding all the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter for the promotion of peaceful relations”.
At no point is Russia explicitly mentioned in the section on the conflict in Ukraine.
Conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine have been a source of deep divisions between G20 countries, although Brazil, which holds the rotating presidency of the forum, has finally managed to reach a language agreed upon by all members.
The leaders’ declaration was only expected at the end of the summit, which will take place this Tuesday with the final plenary session on energy transition and sustainable development.
As for a possible global tax on the super-rich, the final statement highlights “respect for tax sovereignty” and the quest to “engage cooperatively to ensure ultra-high-net-worth individuals are effectively taxed.”
“We look forward to continuing to discuss these issues at the G20 and other relevant forums, drawing on technical contributions from relevant international organizations, universities and experts,” it reads.
According to a study commissioned by Brazil, if the world’s approximately 3,300 billionaires paid the equivalent of 2% of their wealth in taxes, between 200 and 250 billion dollars could be raised annually.
The Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, invited by Brazil to participate in the summit as an observer member, had already admitted to journalists today that neither Portugal nor the G20 are “still in a position to make a decision” on this matter.
Among the main leaders present, the outgoing president of the United States, Joe Biden, and the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, stand out.
The main absentee will be Russian President Vladimir Putin, represented by his head of diplomacy, Sergei Lavrov, as the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against Putin for war crimes in the conflict in Ukraine.
In addition to representatives from the group’s full member countries, plus the European Union and the African Union, in Rio de Janeiro there are representatives from 55 countries or international organizations, including Portugal – a country invited by Brazil -, represented by the first minister, Luís Montenegro, Angola, represented by its president, João Lourenço, and the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries.
The G20 is made up of the world’s main economies. Brazil’s presidency ends at the end of the month, passing in December to South Africa.
