G20’s Social Meeting Kicks Off in Rio De Janeiro
Environmental activists hold a globe during a rally. X/ @bahiaeconomica
November 14, 2024 Hour: 1:25 pm
Social activists do not expect world powers to offer solutions to the most serious humanitarian and environmental problems.
For the first time in the history of the Group of Twenty (G20), Brazilian President Lula da Silva is promoting a Social G20, a meeting where non-governmental organizations will discuss global social challenges.
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This event is part of the official G20 summit program, which brings together the world’s 19 most developed countries along with the European Union and the African Union.
Beyond specific issues of global trade and finance regulation, Brazilian leaders have coordinated an agenda dedicated to combating hunger and poverty, responding to climate change, and fostering international cooperative taxation. Brazilian Presidential Secretary Marcio Macedo welcomed the participants, emphasizing the importance of “debating solutions to issues that affect life in cities, such as hunger, inequality, and climate change.”
According to Roberto Oliveira, coordinator of the Movement of Those Affected by Dams (MAB), despite the importance of social participation in this space, there are limited expectations that the leaders of the world’s major powers will offer solutions to the most serious humanitarian and environmental issues.
“Even so, it’s clear that Brazil can play an important role in discussing issues such as global inequality and other matters, such as reparations for historically exploited countries,” he said.
In this context, MAB is contributing by discussing the challenges posed by extreme climate changes in the Amazon, Rio Grande do Sul, and Rio de Janeiro.
The Social G20 program includes three plenary sessions dedicated to debating the three themes proposed by the Brazilian Presidency for the G20: the fight against hunger and inequality, sustainability, and new global governance. On Nov. 16, participants will also hear the final text of the document, which will be presented to President Lula during the closing ceremony.
The expectation is for the Social G20 to become a permanent platform for civil society participation, with this event also set to take place during the next G20 presidency, led by South Africa in 2025.
teleSUR/ JF Sources: MAB
