Rio de Janeiro: With the participation of HH the Amir, the G20 Rio de Janeiro Summit is officially underway, marking a significant gathering of world leaders to address pressing global issues. The summit is occurring concurrently with the COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, amidst a year marked by severe climate crises such as floods, droughts, and forest fires, notably affecting Brazil.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Executive Director of the World Food Program, Cindy McCain, highlighted the critical issue of food security at the Atlantic Council conference held alongside the G20 meeting. McCain stressed that food security should be regarded as a national security concern, warning that progress made over the past fifteen years in reducing global hunger has been lost. Meanwhile, discussions on taxing the super-rich have been on the agenda, although it remains uncertain whether G20 leaders will fully embrace this commitment and its stipulated conditions.

The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guter
res, emphasized at COP29 that while every nation must contribute to climate action, the G20 must take the lead as the largest emitters with the greatest capacities and responsibilities. Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Simon Stiell, urged G20 leaders to prioritize the climate crisis, calling for it to become a significant daily concern for the world’s largest economies.

Negotiations at COP29, however, have hit a standstill, with discussions on a $1 trillion deal for climate action investments in developing countries failing to reach consensus after nearly a week. This deadlock highlights the challenges faced by countries in addressing the escalating impacts of global warming.

The G20, comprising 19 of the world’s largest economies along with the European Union and the African Union, accounts for approximately 85% of gross world product and 75% of international trade. Initially focused on macroeconomic issues, the G20’s agenda has broadened over the y
ears to include sustainable development, health, food security, energy, climate change, and anti-corruption. The summit is held annually, guided by a rotating Presidency, and this year’s discussions are pivotal in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the global community.