NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Foreign

G20 leaders: Changing the face of the world

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An analysis by Salif Atojoko, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

As the curtains were drawn on the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Nov. 19, the collective aspiration of the participants was the implementation of key resolutions that would change the face of the world.

The G20 leaders, in their final declaration, called for a ceasefire in Gaza, advocating taxing the super-rich, promoting Artificial Intelligence (AI) and gender equality.

The global eggheads reaffirmed that all states must act consistently with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter in its entirety.

They stated that all states must refrain from threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state.

“We are united in support of a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, in compliance with the UN Security Council Resolution No. 2735, and in Lebanon, allowing citizens to safely return home on both sides of the Blue Line,” the G20 leaders declared.

They affirmed the Palestinian right to self-determination, and reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution, where Israel and a Palestinian state lived side by side in peace.

For an equitable world, the G20 leaders drew the gauntlet against the super rich, proposing that ultra-high-net-worth individuals are “effectively taxed,” even though respecting their fiscal sovereignty.

They said this would be achieved through cooperation, which may involve exchanging best practices, stimulating debate on tax principles, and developing mechanisms against tax evasion, including addressing potentially harmful tax practices.

In the face of multifaceted crises, where political and geopolitical tensions threaten the ability to tackle challenges such as promoting growth, reducing poverty, and combating climate change, the G20 leaders advocated multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow and strengthening global governance for present and future generations.

In their final declaration, they stated that “there will be no sustainability or prosperity without peace” and recalled that the G20 was born out of financial and economic crises.

The G20 leaders were also concerned about the rapid advancement of AI, which promises prosperity and the expansion of the global digital economy.

The global leaders urged safe, secure, and trustworthy development, deployment and use of AI, insisting that such deployment should guaranty human rights protection, transparency and explainability, fairness, accountability, regulation and safety.

The group added that appropriate human oversight, ethics, biases, privacy, data protection, and data governance must be addressed.

The G20 leaders also cited their total commitment to gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls by promoting equality in paid and unpaid care work to ensure the full and meaningful participation of women in the economy.

They said this would promote social and gender co-responsibility, encourage and facilitate the equal involvement of men and boys in care work, and challenge gender norms that hindered equitable distribution and redistribution of care responsibilities.

The summit highlighted the 2024 motto: “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” focusing on reducing inequalities and fostering socially just and environmentally sustainable actions.

The G20 leaders were also keen on protecting the environment, declaring their renewed commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century and to significantly increase renewable energy and global energy efficiency by 2030.

The summit also launched the Global Task Force for Climate Change Mobilisation to strengthen climate financing, especially in developing countries.

The declaration states that countries will strive to mobilise new and additional financing from all sources for forests, including concessional and “innovative” financing for developing countries.

Fittingly, the G20 leaders inaugurated the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, to promote strategies like income transfers, school feeding programmes, and access to microcredit for the poor and vulnerable.

The G20 leaders’ declaration reinforced the need to modernise the World Trade Organisation (WTO), to promote a rule-based, fair, and sustainable multilateral trading system.

“The G20 supports a reform in the dispute resolution system accessible to all members and highlighted the role of trade in inclusive economic growth.

“Ensuring level playing fields and fair competition consistent with the WTO rules is essential to guarantee prosperity and foster a conducive environment for trade and investment for all.

“We reiterate the centrality of the WTO’s development dimension,” the leaders stated.

The G20 countries advocated an expanded composition of the Security Council to enhance the representation of underrepresented and unrepresented regions and groups, such as Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

They also highlighted the need for resilient health systems, sustainable financing, and equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments, especially for neglected diseases.

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria could not agree any less. He said the G20, having admitted the African Union as a group member, should expand its permanent and non-permanent member categories to reflect the world’s diversity and plurality.

“The Security Council should expand its permanent and non-permanent member categories to reflect the world’s diversity and plurality better.

“Africa deserves priority in this process, and two permanent seats should be allocated to it with equal rights and responsibilities. Nigeria stands ready and willing to serve as a representative of Africa in this capacity,” said Tinubu.

Indeed, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil believes that the G20 members have the power and responsibility to transform many lives across the world.

He enjoined members to foster entrepreneurship and economic autonomy for women, as championed by the Women’s Empowerment Working Group.

If the declarations of the G20 leaders, rising from their just concluded summit in Rio de Janeiro are implemented, the world may not remain the same again. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

……………… If used, credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Foreign

China urges Nigeria to prioritise investment in tourism

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By Sarafina Christopher

Mr Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counselor, Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has called on Nigeria to prioritise investment in safety, infrastructure and tourism promotion, in order to drive economic growth and development.

Yang made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during a seminar on Nigeria-China Tourism, Hospitality, and Culture 2024 themed: “Promoting Nigeria-China Tourism, Hospitality, Cultural Potentials and Services for Sustainable Development”.

Yang, who is also the Director of the China Cultural Centre, emphasised that Nigeria’s tourism sector had the potential of enhancing GDP and fostering sustainable development.

According to him, tourism not only contributes to economic growth but also fosters cultural exchange and strengthens international friendships.

“Nigeria, as the most populous country in Africa, boasts a rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and unique cultural assets, such as music, dance, art, and clothing.

“Tourism has immense potential to drive development,” Yang said.

“I hope more Chinese tourists will visit Nigeria to experience its vibrant culture, art, and natural beauty,” he said.

Yang also underscored China’s accomplishments in the tourism sector.

He said China recorded 4.89 million domestic tourists, 87.63 million outbound tourists, and 82.03 million inbound tourists in 2023, with further growth seen in 2024.

Yang also presented a global perspective referencing the World Travel and Tourism Council’s 2022 report.

It predicts an average annual growth rate of 5.8 per cent for the global tourism industry over the next decade, outpacing the global economic growth rate of 2.7 per cent.

On his part, Mr Cui Guang-Zhen, Director General of the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, echoed the call for more investments in tourism.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s cultural diversity, saying: “with over 100 languages, Nigeria is rich in cultural and tourism resources.

“Nigerian music, featuring global stars like Burna Boy and Wizkid, is already a worldwide sensation.

“However, more investment is needed to harness its tourism potential,” he said.

Cui, who has lived in Nigeria for a decade and visited popular destinations like Calabar, emphasised the need for infrastructural development and targeted initiatives to attract international visitors.

Mr Raphael Obi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, noted the transformative power of the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Obi, represented by Blessing Ogar, said: “these industries are pivotal drivers of economic growth, reducing unemployment and empowering underserved communities, particularly youth and women.”

Obi praised China’s integration of tourism and cultural heritage into its economic framework, citing it as a model for Nigeria.

“This seminar provides a timely platform to exchange ideas and foster partnerships that will benefit both nations,” he added.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Foreign

G20 members have responsibility to transform lives – says da Silva

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By Salif Atojoko

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil on Tuesday said that the G20 members had the power and responsibility to transform many lives across the world.

Da Silva said this during the closing ceremony of the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

He enjoined members to foster entrepreneurship and economic autonomy for women, as championed by the Women’s Empowerment Working Group.

For traditional and Indigenous peoples, he said the G20 members must promote biodiversity-based products through the Bioeconomy Initiative.

He also said the member countries must adopt Sustainable Development Goal 18 on racial equality, as advocated by the Working Group on the Right to Development for people of African descent.

He urged the G20 members to foster climate ambition, in line with the goal of limiting global warming to one point five degrees Celsius, as pursued by the Climate Task Force.

Da Silva said that over the course of this year, the group gained a third pillar – the social pillar – which was added to the political and financial pillars.

“This is where the collective will and expression take shape, motivated by the quest for a more democratic, just and diverse world.

“The engagement groups achieved an unprecedented level of interaction with chancellors, finance ministers and central bank presidents from the world’s largest economies,” he said.

He said that for the first time in the history of the G20, civil societies from various parts of the world — in its most diverse forms of organisation — met to formulate and present their demands to the Leaders’ Summit.

According to him, over the 16 years since the inaugural Summit, the G20 has established itself as the premier forum for global economic cooperation and a vital platform for political dialogue.

However, he said the economy and international politics were not a monopoly of experts or bureaucrats.

“They are not only in the offices of the New York Stock Exchange or the São Paulo Stock Exchange, nor only in the offices in Washington, Beijing, Brussels or Brasília.

“They are part of the daily lives of each one of us, expanding or narrowing our possibilities,” he said.

He stated that the Brazilian presidency would not have made progress on the three priorities it chose if it were not for the decisive participation of the organisations and movements that made up the G20 Social.

“Your permanent mobilisation will be essential to drive forward the work of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty and advance on the taxation of the super-rich.

“This will ensure compliance with the goals of tripling the use of renewable energy and achieving emissions neutrality earlier, and advance our Call to Action on Global Governance Reform, ensuring that multilateral institutions are more representative,” he said.

He said the Brazilian presidency of the G20 would leave a robust legacy of achievements, but that there was still much to be done to improve people’s lives.

To reach the hearts of ordinary citizens, he said governments needed to break off the growing dissonance between the “voice of the markets” and the “voice of the streets”.

“Neoliberalism has worsened the economic and political inequality that currently plagues democracies.

“The G20 must discuss a series of measures to reduce the cost of living and promote more balanced working hours.

“It must listen to the youth, who will face the consequences of the tasks we leave unfinished.

“We must preserve public space so as to prevent extremism from  threatening rights or leading to setbacks,” said Da Silva.

He emphasised the need for nations to commit to peace so that geopolitical rivalries and conflicts did not divert them from the path of sustainable development.

“I will take the recommendations contained in the final declaration which you gave me to the other G20 leaders and work with South Africa to ensure that they are considered in the group’s discussions.

“I hope that this social pillar of the G20 will continue in the coming years, increasingly opening our discussions to citizen engagement.

“This closing ceremony marks the beginning of a new phase which will require continuous work — 365 days a year — and not just on the eve of leaders’ meetings,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ephraim Sheyin

Foreign

G20 summit: Tinubu endorses global alliance against hunger, poverty

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By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu on Monday said the creation of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, championed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, was pivotal in the global fight against hunger and poverty.

Tinubu said this at the 19th G20 Leaders Summit opening session in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

He lauded the initiative and described it as the right step to address one of the world’s most significant challenges. 

“This bold and visionary step underscores Brazil’s leadership in addressing one of the most urgent and persistent challenges facing our world today. 

“The creation of this Alliance marks a significant milestone in our global efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty, and it also sends a powerful message of solidarity to vulnerable populations around the globe.

“By fostering collaboration between governments, international organisations, and civil society, this initiative offers a comprehensive approach not only to addressing immediate needs but also tackling the structural causes of hunger and poverty,” he said.

Tinubu compared the global initiative to one of the eight priority areas he outlined at his inauguration 18 months ago, expressing Nigeria’s eagerness to adopt international best practices to advance its economic development.

According to him, Nigeria’s endorsement of the declaration of commitment to join the Global Alliance is a significant step in its efforts to address hunger and poverty by leveraging international cooperation and resources to bolster domestic strategies.

He added that by supporting the initiative, Nigeria also demonstrated a solid commitment to realising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1, which focuses on eradicating poverty, and SDG 2, which aims to achieve zero hunger.

“These goals are at the core of Nigeria’s development agenda, and the Alliance offers a platform to accelerate progress towards them. 

“By collaborating with international partners, Nigeria aims to leverage best practices, innovative solutions, and financial support to enhance its efforts to combat poverty and hunger.

“The endorsement reinforces Nigeria’s role as a key player in global efforts to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for all its citizens,” Tinubu said.

He emphasised the urgent need for the United Nations Security Council reform to ensure its continued relevance in global interventions. 

He reiterated Nigeria’s readiness and capability to represent Africa within this elite group.

President Tinubu called on the G20 to champion this noble ideal, having admitted the African Union as a group member.

“The Security Council should expand its permanent and non-permanent member categories to reflect the world’s diversity and plurality. Africa deserves priority in this.

“The Security Council should expand its permanent and non-permanent member categories to reflect the world’s diversity and plurality better. 

“Africa deserves priority in this process, and two permanent seats should be allocated to it with equal rights and responsibilities. Nigeria stands ready and willing to serve as a representative of Africa in this capacity,” said Tinubu.

Tinubu, in a statement read on his behalf by Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, noted that, “the G20 now wears a toga of a forward-looking international institution that upholds reform-minded multilateralism.”

He commended the decision of the G20 to grant permanent membership to the African Union and for its consistency in sustaining the tradition of inviting guest countries to join the group. 

This broad participation, he said, allowed the opportunity for more inclusive and effective discussions to address shared global challenges.

“Some permanent members of the Council have shown promising signs of support for this process, which is a positive development. We welcome this shift in attitude and call for a faster pace to the long overdue change.

“The world faces various challenges, including extreme poverty, inequality, climate change, terrorism, and global conflicts,” said the President.

According to him, these issues are exacerbated by longstanding inequities in the global governance system.

He added that they had led to unsustainable sovereign debt and distortions in access to capital markets, trade imbalances, unfair representations and hindered development in the Global South. 

“It is our responsibility to find pragmatic solutions to fix these imbalances.

“Particularly pressing is global taxation, which profoundly impacts developing countries. 

“The current international tax system, largely shaped by the interests of more affluent nations, often leaves developing countries at a disadvantage, especially in taxing digital economies. 

“This systemic imbalance has led to significant revenue losses, hampering our efforts towards sustainable development and economic self-reliance,” the Nigerian leader said.

He highlighted that Nigeria, alongside other African Group member states, championed a historic initiative at the United Nations: calling for a framework Convention on Tax to establish a more equitable and inclusive global tax system. 

He urged the G20 to heed the call by countries, especially those of the global South, to reform the international financial architecture.

“Multilateral institutions must be revamped to bridge the gap between the Global North and South.

“This is the path for the future and one the G20 must champion. Nigeria is committed to being part of that future through active participation in the G20 and our steadfast support for achieving SDG 2030 targets,” the President added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Foreign

G20 leaders inaugurate global alliance to end hunger

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By Salif Atojoko

G20 leaders, on Monday, inaugurated a Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, during the opening session of the 19th Heads of State and Government Summit of the Group of 20 (G20) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The alliance signed by all member countries empowers a Task Force to implement practical activities between 2025 and 2030 to accelerate the elimination of hunger and reduction of poverty.

President Luiz Lula da Silva of Brazil, said the alliance, which was pre-launched in July already had the support of more than 80 countries, in addition to dozens of government and civil society organisations.

He said the goal of the global alliance was to gather funds and knowledge towards the implementation of public policies and social technologies, which have proven effective in reducing global hunger and poverty.

He added that throughout the first half of Brasil’s G20 presidency, discussions were held with G20 countries and other key partners to present the operation, its pillars and the general lines of governance.

“It’s not just about doing justice. This is an essential condition for building more prosperous societies and a world of peace.

“Brazil intends to reposition itself as an international leader on the issue, showcasing the successful Brazilian experience with the Zero Hunger and Bolsa Família programs — both launched by Lula in his first spell as president between 2003 and 2010.

“Ending hunger is also one of the Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations for 2030,” said the President.

He explained that UN institutions such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) also addressed these issues.

But he said Brazil managed to convince its peers that a new initiative was necessary to accelerate investments.

Quoting Brazilian physician and nutritionist, Josué de Castro (1908-1973), Da Silva stated that “hunger and poverty are not the result of scarcity, but a biological expression of social ills.”

The president highlighted that the world produced almost 6 billion tons of food each year, while spending 2.4 trillion dollars on military spending.

He said international financial institutions and national development banks had also joined the initiative.

“So far, one of the biggest promises has been from the Inter-American Development Bank, which will request authorization from its boards to allocate 25 billion dollars to loans in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“The alliance, which will be autonomous from the rotating presidencies of the G20, will be operated from Brasília, within the Brazilian Cooperation Agency, and from Rome, within the FAO,” he said.

According to Da Silva, the world is now worse than it was in 2008, when the G20 took a leading role in facing the global economic crisis.

He mentioned the number of armed conflicts around the world, the climate emergency, social inequalities, and the fact that there were 733 million people going hungry in the world, according to the FAO.

The situation has deteriorated in recent years. “Those who have always been invisible will be at the center of the international agenda.”

The President invited countries outside the G20 to join the alliance. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Foreign

Tinubu arrives Brazil for G20 summit

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By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has arrived at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the 19th Heads of State and Government Summit of the Group of 20 (G20).

The President, who arrived on Sunday at 11.03 p.m. local time, (Monday 3. 03 a.m. Nigerian time), was received by Amb. Breno Costa in the Ministry of External Relations of Brazil.

He was accompanied by Mr Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, and Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Tourism, Culture and Creativity.

Others are: Dr  Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, and Amb. Mohammed Mohammed, Director General of the National Intelligence Agency.

President Tinubu is also expected to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit in advancement of Nigeria’s socio-economic reforms.

Mr Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, is hosting
the 2024 G20 summit having held the group’s rotating presidency since Dec. 21, 2023. His tenure ends on Nov. 30.

The summit, with the theme: “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” will focus on three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social, and environmental – and the reform of global governance.

It will also highlight the rising of global temperatures and the principles of digital economy, among other themes.

The Brazilian presidency will also treat as priority, the Israel–Hamas war and rising bloc confrontation between the United States and China.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conclusion of the work carried out by the country holding the G20 rotating presidency is usually presented at the annual summit.

It is the moment when heads of state and government approve the agreements negotiated throughout the year and point out ways of dealing with global challenges.

NAN also reports that the Leaders’ Summit, the climax of the G20 work carried out over the year through Ministerial Meetings, Working Groups, and Engagement Groups, would be presented for adoption at the summit.

The summit will be attended by 19 member countries that include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, France, India and Indonesia.

Others are: Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the UK and the US.

In line with the theme of the summit, da Silva declared a three-point agenda of combating hunger, poverty and inequality at the summit scheduled to hold from Nov. 18 to Nov. 19.

President Tinubu is attending the 2024 G20 summit as the organisers invited representatives of the African Union and the European Union.

Mr Carlos Areias, Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, conveyed President Da Silva’s invitation to Tinubu to attend the 2024 G20 summit on Aug. 29, when he presented his Letter of Credence to him.

Areias had said Da Silva was looking forward to welcoming President Tinubu to the G20 Leaders’ Summit, saying that food security was the main proposal of the Brazilian presidency at the G20 to eliminate extreme poverty by 2030. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Foreign

Nigeria, India bolster agriculture, energy cooperation

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By Sarafina Christopher

Nigeria and India have pledged to strengthen ties in the strategic areas of agriculture, renewable energy and defence, among others.

Dammu Ravi, India’s Secretary of Economic Relations, stated this on Sunday in Abuja, at a news conference on the sidelines of the state visit by Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi to Nigeria.

Ravi said that the visit, the first in 17 years by an Indian PM afforded the leadership of both countries to deepen it’s bilateral relations in many fronts.

“The Prime Minister and President Bola Tinubu re-affirmed support and commitment to strengthening India, Nigeria strategic partnership.

“The two leader discussed bilateral cooperations in the field of trade, investment, defence, security, education, health, culture and people to people levels.

“They also focused on further enhancing the strategic partnership in various sectors, particularly in agriculture, railway transport, renewable energy and development cooperation fields,” he said.

Ravi said both countries were working more closely to boost investment in the renewable energy sector and fight climate change.

Earlier, Shri Balasubramanian, Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, said that Indian companies were keen on diversifying and investing in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

“There are new areas that are been identified which includes agriculture, particularly in areas like irrigational services, hybrid seed development and climate resilient seeds.

“We also talked about mining and various issues pertaining to SMEs and skill development,” he said.

The envoy said that both leaders also discussed investment in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas sector, including establishing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion facilities in Nigeria.

“There was good concentration on the Oil and Gas industry investment.

“Some Indian companies are already working on the CNG areas, they are setting up outlets for CNG here and the CNG kits to be installed in cars,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria and India had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the areas of Cultural Exchange, Survey Cooperation, and Customs.

The ties between India-Nigeria were elevated to the status of a “strategic partnership” when then prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh, PM Modi’s predecessor, visited Nigeria in Oct. 2007. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

Foreign

Tinubu confers GCON on Indian PM, Modi

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday conferred the national honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), on the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

Tinubu gave the honour during the Nigeria/India Bilateral meeting held at the Presidential, Abuja.

The president said that the award was bestowed on the Indian leader to signify Nigeria’s appreciation and commitment to the Nigerian Indian partnership.

Tinubu added that the invitation to the Indian PM was to rekindle and reclassify the existing relationship between Nigeria and India.

He also stated that the high level engagement was intended to improve

“Nigeria values its excellent relationship with India, and we work to deepen and broaden the same to the mutual benefit of our two friendly countries.

“You represent a very strong commitment in democratic values and norms, you have been doing a good job historically, winning three consecutive elections in a complex society is a feat that we respect so much.

“I will confer on you today, the Prime Minister of India, Nigeria’s National Honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger.

” This to signify Nigerian appreciation and commitment to India as a partner”, Tinubu said.

Modi commiserated with Nigeria over the recent floods that ravaged several cities across the country, including Maiduguri, Borno.

The Indian prime minister promised to support Nigeria with 20 tonnes of relief materials.

Modi said this was to support the administration of Tinubu on its ongoing humanitarian efforts.

” We had a very productive discussion with President Tinubu. We talked about adding momentum to our strategic partnership.

” There is immense scope for ties to flourish even further in sectors like defence, energy, technology, trade, health, education and more,” Modi said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Foreign

Brazil to promote sustainable planet at 2024 G20 summit

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By Salif Atojoko

All is set for global leaders to deliberate on causes that promote a just world and sustainable planet at the 19th Heads of State and Government Summit of the Group of 20 (G20) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In line with this agenda, Mr Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, has declared a three-point agenda of combating hunger, poverty and inequality at the summit scheduled to hold from Nov. 18 to Nov. 19.

The summit, with the theme: “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” shall focus on three dimensions of sustainable development (economic, social, and environmental); and the reform of global governance.

It shall also highlight the rising of global temperatures and the principles of digital economy, among other themes.

This Brazilian presidency will also treat as priority the Israel–Hamas war and rising bloc confrontation between the United States and China.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conclusion of the work carried out by the country holding the G20 rotating presidency is usually presented at the annual summit.

It is the moment when heads of state and government approve the agreements negotiated throughout the year and point out ways of dealing with global challenges.

NAN also reports that the Leaders’ Summit, the climax of the G20 work carried out over the year through Ministerial Meetings, Working Groups, and Engagement Groups, would be presented for adoption at the summit.

The summit will be attended by 19 member countries namely, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the UK, and the US.

Brazil has held the Presidency of the G20 from Dec. 1, 2023, which is expected to end on Nov. 30.

Da Silva is living no stone unturned in preparation for the 2024 G20 summit.

Right from the airports in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, city centres, and other locations, visitors are inundated with signposts with various inscriptions announcing the summit.

As at Saturday, major parts of Rio de Janeiro, such as Flamingo, Botafogo, and Lapa, enjoyed heavy security presence, with armoured tanks and armed police vans strategically located within the areas.

Mr Julius Dacosta, a resident of Botafogo, told NAN that the country’s president was taking advantage of the summit to show case advances made by Brazil in the economy, technology, transportation and others in recent times.

“There is no better opportunity for the country to market itself while hosting over 50 world leaders, both G20 members and others invited.

“It is an avenue to promote the cause of a just world and sustainable planet. However, it is a window for Brazil to show case itself to the world as an emerging economic power house,” said Dacosta.

President Tinubu is expected to attend the 2024G20 summit as the organisers have invited representatives of the African Union and the European Union.

Mr Carlos Areias, Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, conveyed President Da Silva’s invitation to Tinubu to attend the 2024 G20 summit on Aug. 29, when he presented his Letter of Credence to him.

Areias had said Da Silva was looking forward to welcoming President Tinubu to the G20 Leaders’ Summit, saying that food security, was the main proposal of the Brazilian presidency at the G20 to eliminate extreme poverty by 2030. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Foreign

Nuclear-ban-treaty organisation reappoints Floyd as Executive-Secretary

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By Fortune Abang

The governing body of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) has reappointed Mr Robert Floyd as its Executive-Secretary.

The organisation disclosed this in an official statement.

The statement indicated that Floyd’s reappointment reaffirmed his leadership for a second term and that the extension will ensure he continued in his role through 2029.

Commenting on outcome of the 63rd Preparatory Commission session on Wednesday in Vienna, the organisation said it had banned all nuclear explosions everywhere, by everyone, and for all times.

It added that adherence to the treaty is nearly universal, with 187 signatories and 178 ratifying States.

To enter into force, the organisation said, the treaty must be ratified by all 44 countries listed in its Annex 2, for which nine ratifications are still required.

The statement quoted Floyd as saying, “I am truly honoured and I look forward to continuing our important work together with member states, advancing our shared mission of a nuclear-test-free world and a world of peace and security, now and for generations to come.

“I will remain focused on working with all of you to secure the entry into force of this critical Treaty.

“In times of global uncertainty, it is essential that we protect and strengthen what we have built together: this organisation, our work, the International Monitoring System (IMS), and the invaluable skills within our team.”

The CTBTO chief also outlined several key priorities for his second term to include the establishment and certification of the remaining IMS facilities.

He emphasised the importance of sustaining the unique global monitoring network and expanding capacity building opportunities for states that have signed the CTBT.

He also highlighted the upcoming On-Site Inspection Integrated Field Exercise (IFE) in Sri Lanka – designed to rigorously test the application of OSI techniques, mechanisms, systems and procedures, as a critical step in further developing verification capabilities.

Floyd reiterated his commitment to promoting diversity, known as “the three Gs” – ensuring geographic, gender and generational representation across the organisation.

Floyd, an International Gender Champion network has led the CTBTO since August, 2021. Before joining the organisation, he served as Director-General of the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO), Australia’s authority on treaties that control weapons of mass destruction.

This include managing 23 IMS facilities to monitor and detect nuclear explosions.

The CTBTO has established an International Monitoring System (IMS) to ensure no nuclear test explosion goes undetected.

Currently, 306 certified facilities of a total of 337 when complete are operating around the world, using four main technologies: seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound and radionuclide.

The data collected by the IMS has also been used for disaster mitigation such as earthquake monitoring and tsunami warning, research into fields as diverse as whale migration, climate change and the prediction of monsoon rains. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

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