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

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