Leaders of the world's 20 major economies gathered at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro to address pressing global issues, issuing a joint declaration that emphasized the need for a global pact to combat hunger, increased aid for war-torn Gaza, and an end to hostilities in the Middle East and Ukraine.
The declaration, while endorsed by most members, lacked complete unanimity, with Argentina being the only country not fully endorsing the document. It also proposed a future global tax on billionaires and reforms to expand the United Nations Security Council beyond its current five permanent members.
The summit, held amid uncertainties surrounding the incoming U.S. administration and heightened global tensions, saw discussions on various critical issues. The declaration highlighted the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Lebanon, stressing the urgent need for expanded humanitarian assistance and protection of civilians.
While affirming the Palestinian right to self-determination and supporting a two-State solution, the declaration did not mention Israel's perspective or the hostages held by Hamas. The document also avoided direct blame on any party involved in the conflicts.
Furthermore, the declaration called for a possible tax on global billionaires, despite opposition from Argentina. It also addressed gender equality and the need to combat hunger, with a focus on eradicating hunger being a key priority for the summit.
Leaders pledged to work towards transformative reform of the United Nations Security Council to make it more representative, inclusive, and effective in the 21st century. The issue of Security Council reform has been a longstanding challenge, with various proposals on expanding its composition to better reflect the current global landscape.
The G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro marked a significant step towards addressing critical global challenges, with leaders expressing commitments to peace, humanitarian aid, and UN reform.
