G20 Leaders Convene in Rio de Janeiro, Address Global Challenges and Call for Collective Action

The G20 Leaders’ Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 18-19, 2024, brought together the heads of state and government from the world’s largest economies to tackle pressing global issues. The summit concluded with the adoption of a joint declaration, outlining commitments to address various global challenges.

French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a significant speech, cautioning against the dangers of global trade wars and the need to maintain progress in the fight against climate change. Macron emphasized the fragility of the advancements made since the Paris climate agreement and urged leaders to ensure that all nations respect and adhere to the agreed terms.

U.S. President Joe Biden also addressed the summit, highlighting key areas of focus. He emphasized the need for large-scale investments to help countries meet Sustainable Development Goals and tackle global challenges such as pandemics and climate change. Biden announced a $4 billion pledge from the United States to the World Bank’s International Development Association over the next three years and encouraged other nations to increase their pledges. He also stressed the importance of debt relief, mobilizing private capital, and ending conflicts that erode food security, particularly mentioning the crises in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan.

The summit also saw the launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, with several countries including Norway, Paraguay, and Antigua and Barbuda joining the initiative. The alliance is part of the broader agenda focused on social inclusion, global reform, and sustainability.

The G20 leaders further called for comprehensive ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon and urged the return of hostages, reflecting a collective commitment to resolving ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises.