To achieve consensus, the text led by Brazil does not explicitly condemn Russia for the invasion, but reinforces the defense of peaceful solutions; Argentina signed document, but exposed disagreements
The G20 Leaders’ Declaration was approved by consensus and released this Monday (18), during the meeting in Rio de Janeiro, chaired by Brazil. The document addresses priority topics such as combating hunger and poverty, sustainability and climate change, and global governance reform, as well as positions on the conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, and proposals for taxing the super-rich. . However, he highlighted his objections to points such as taxation of large fortunes, gender equality and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), part of the UN 2030 Agenda. Even so, Argentina’s inclusion in the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty was celebrated as a milestone at the summit.
One of the most sensitive points of the declaration was the approach to the war in Ukraine. Unlike the previous meeting in New Delhi, the text does not explicitly condemn Russia for the invasion, but reinforces the defense of peaceful solutions and the protection of civilians and “infrastructure” in armed conflicts. This choice of words was considered crucial to avoid divisions within the group, allowing nations such as Russia and China to endorse the document.
The Brazilian stance, which led the negotiations, sought a more neutral tone to promote consensus, instead of deepening political disputes. This balance was seen as decisive for the approval of the final text, despite criticism from Western countries that preferred a more emphatic condemnation of the Russian government.
Main themes of the declaration
1. Inequality and sustainable development:
The G20 reaffirmed its commitment to the 2030 Agenda, highlighting that only 17% of the SDG targets are on track. The need to reduce inequalities between and within countries was emphasized.
2. Conflicts and world peace:
The document condemns attacks on civilians and infrastructure in wars and advocates diplomatic solutions to conflicts, with special attention to the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and the impact of the war in Ukraine. Support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict was also reaffirmed.
3. Climate action and energy transition:
Leaders renewed commitments to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century and increase the share of renewable energy by 2030. A Global Climate Change Mobilization Task Force was launched to support developing countries.
4. Global Governance:
The G20 advocated reforms in the UN Security Council to include greater representation from emerging countries and reinforced the importance of institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank. The inclusion of the African Union as a full member of the G20 was highlighted as a significant step forward.
Economic and social proposals
The statement also addressed the need for more progressive tax systems, including taxation of the super-rich to fund the SDGs. Furthermore, he highlighted the urgency of regulating artificial intelligence, prioritizing ethical and responsible uses, and defended the strengthening of global health with equitable access to vaccines and treatments.
Published by Felipe Dantas
*Report produced with the help of AI
