G-20 leaders call for action on hunger and climate change

The G-20 meeting of world leaders in Brazil is ending after two full days of discussions. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was among the leaders in South America, where topics included the war in Ukraine, as well as global hunger and poverty. On these latter issues, Trudeau pitched Canada as a leader in nuclear power, which could help other countries meet their growing energy needs.

Brazil’s president opened the second day of the meeting of the world’s 20 major economies today by calling for more action to slow global warming, stating that developed nations must accelerate their efforts to reduce harmful emissions.

His comments came a day after representatives of the G-20 nations endorsed a joint statement calling for a pact to combat hunger, more aid for Gaza, an end to the war in Ukraine, and other goals, amid global uncertainty surrounding the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

In addition to a $325 million contribution to the World Bank Clean Technology Fund, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a series of climate and development-related initiatives. However, many of these would require buy-in from Trump, who opposes such projects and has called the climate crisis a “hoax.”

The joint statement approved yesterday evening called for urgent humanitarian assistance and better protection of civilians caught in conflicts in the Middle East, while affirming the Palestinian right to self-determination. However, it did not mention the suffering of Israel, which is not a G-20 member, or the approximately 100 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced $68 million in allocations of previously announced funds to address G-20 priorities, mostly in Latin America. These priorities include cracking down on organized crime and drug smuggling, supporting conservation, and increasing women’s economic participation.

Canada has faced some diplomatic challenges with key G-20 members in recent years, including China and Russia. Canada’s relationship with India has also been deeply strained over the past year.

Today, Trudeau also expressed concern about the impact Trump might have on global support for Ukraine.

Looming large at the meeting yesterday was news of Biden easing restrictions on Ukraine’s use of longer-range U.S. missiles against Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin did not attend and instead sent his foreign minister.

Brazil’s president declared the summit over today, passing the ceremonial gavel to the South African president. The country said it will use its G-20 presidency to focus on advancing inclusive economic growth, food security, and artificial intelligence.

Photo courtesy: Stefan Rousseau – WPA Pool/Getty Images