Link to article: https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2023/12/1/lula-faces-numerous-challenges-as-brazil-assumes-g20-presidency
Brazil is succeeding India as the presidential state of the G20 summit. The G20 consists of the European Union, the African Union, and nineteen other countries. They gather annually to discuss global issues such as environmental concerns, economic shifts, and social and political conflicts. Heading into the new year, Brazil announces the goals they will concentrate on as they assume their position of power: the phasing out of fossil fuels, reforming economic imbalance, fighting against world hunger, and widening social inclusion. These goals may be difficult to achieve amidst the shifts in the economic and social climates that have intensified as a result of the wars in Ukraine and Palestine.
The president of Brazil has devised plans to work towards each of these goals. For example, he wants to end world hunger by 2030 by establishing a global task force. This organization will work to increase agricultural productivity in food-insecure countries using funds from wealthy countries. Another example, he wants to emphasize the importance of global institutions like the United Nations. This coordination between powerful countries and developing countries will allow for equal representation and an overall more peaceful climate. Among these ideas are many others that, if actionable, will prove beneficial to our global community.
In class, we have discussed the different approaches to international conflicts. A unilateral approach is when a state takes on a conflict in a singular, individual manner. A multilateral approach is when a state takes on a conflict alongside intergovernmental institutions and allies. In this situation, the involved states are assuming a multilateral mindset as they convene to discuss global issues. As they understand it, cooperation is necessary for resolving these pressing matters. After meeting, they take action alongside one another to improve conditions.