Lula Fosters Global Alliance to Address Hunger at G20 Summit in Brazil
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva launched an initiative at the G20 summit aimed at combating hunger, stating it symbolizes a critical global failure. Notable attendance included leaders from 17 of the 19 G20 nations. Lula emphasized the unacceptability of worldwide hunger despite significant food production, signaling a concentrated effort under Brazil’s presidency to mobilize global resources against this crisis.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva inaugurated the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro with the introduction of a new alliance aimed at eradicating hunger, labeling it as the “ultimate symbol of our collective tragedy.” With Brazil serving as the rotating presidency of the G20, the summit sees participation from representatives of 17 of the 19 member nations, excluding Russia and Saudi Arabia. In his address, Lula reflected on his attendance at the inaugural G20 meeting in 2008, expressing disappointment that global conditions have deteriorated over the past sixteen years. He highlighted the rise in armed conflicts, unprecedented levels of displacement, severe climate events, and increasing social, racial, and gender disparities. However, he underscored that hunger remains the foremost issue, with approximately 733 million individuals suffering from undernourishment, as noted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Lula criticized the stark contradiction of global food production, which amounts to nearly six billion tonnes annually, against the backdrop of rampant hunger. He implored the gathered leaders to confront this distressing reality and emphasized that addressing hunger and poverty is a primary objective for Brazil’s presidency. The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty has garnered support from 81 nations, although Argentina’s participation was initially uncertain due to political differences. During the summit, the leaders convened at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio, marking the first face-to-face interaction between Lula and Argentine President Javier Milei, which drew attention due to its lack of warmth. The relationship between the two countries has been strained lately, with differing positions on key issues, including taxation and social policies.
The G20 is a forum that encompasses 19 countries and the European Union, focusing on global economic cooperation. The assembly addresses pressing issues such as economic growth, poverty alleviation, and international financial stability. Hunger and poverty are critical challenges that affect millions worldwide, prompting global coalitions such as the proposed Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. Lula’s emphasis on these matters during Brazil’s presidency highlights the ongoing urgency to innovate collective solutions to combat these longstanding issues.
The launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty at the G20 summit underlines Brazil’s commitment to addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity. President Lula’s call to action reflects a collective responsibility among global leaders to confront issues of hunger and poverty. As the summit progresses, its potential for fostering united efforts against these pervasive conditions remains a critical consideration for participants.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
