G20 Summit: World Leaders Unite on Hunger, Peace, and UN Reform in Landmark Declaration

G20 Leaders Call for Global Action on Hunger, Peace, and U.N. Reform

In a landmark joint declaration, G20 leaders have called for a global pact to combat hunger and increased aid for Gaza, while emphasizing the need to end hostilities in the Middle East and Ukraine. The summit, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, also saw proposals for a global tax on billionaires and reform of the United Nations Security Council.

The declaration addressed several pressing global issues, including humanitarian crises in Gaza and Lebanon, and affirmed support for Palestinian self-determination and a two-state solution. However, the document notably omitted mention of Israel’s suffering and the hostages held by Hamas.

U.S. President Joe Biden maintained his stance on Hamas and the situation in Ukraine, while the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin cast a shadow over the summit’s proceedings. The declaration carefully avoided blaming specific parties for ongoing conflicts.

One of the more contentious points of the summit was the inclusion of a potential tax on billionaires, despite opposition from some quarters. Argentina’s newly elected President Javier Milei emerged as a partial spoiler in the talks, objecting to certain clauses including those related to the U.N. agenda and social media regulation.

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva championed the focus on eradicating global hunger, launching a global alliance against hunger and poverty. This initiative received support from international organizations and was marked by a demonstration in Rio de Janeiro.

The declaration also committed to reforming the U.N. Security Council, a long-awaited move that could see expanded representation in the body. However, divergent views on how to achieve this reform and ensure fair representation remain a challenge.

While the G20 declaration sets ambitious goals, it lacks detailed plans for implementation, leaving questions about how these objectives will be achieved in practice. As world leaders depart from Rio, the global community watches to see how these commitments will translate into concrete action in the coming months and years.