The G20 Summit is more than just a meeting of the world’s largest economies; it is a platform to address some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. The 2024 summit in Brazil, under the theme “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” is a call to action for fostering equity and environmental stewardship in an era of growing inequality and climate concerns.
Understanding the Theme
Flowing from the above, the theme underscores two critical pillars: justice and sustainability. Justice entails addressing disparities in wealth, opportunities, and resources globally, while sustainability focuses on managing environmental resources for future generations. Both are intertwined, as climate change disproportionately affects poorer nations, further deepening inequality.

Tackling Food Insecurity
Progressively, food security is a top agenda item. According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), about 735 million people globally faced hunger in 2022—an increase from previous years due to conflicts, economic disruptions, and climate change. The G20 aims to develop cooperative strategies to address this crisis, including investments in resilient agriculture and equitable food distribution systems.
Brazil, the summit’s host and a global agricultural powerhouse, is pushing for measures to enhance food production while maintaining environmental safeguards. Discussions will explore leveraging technology to improve yield efficiency and reduce waste, a pressing issue considering that about 17% of global food production is wasted annually, according to the UN.
Addressing Climate Challenges
In furtherance, climate change is a major concern, with the world already experiencing extreme weather events. In 2023 alone, global temperatures reached record highs, with July 2023 being the hottest month on record, according to the World Meteorological Organization. The G20 seeks to harmonise efforts to achieve net-zero emissions, promote renewable energy, and provide financial support to developing nations grappling with climate adaptation.

For instance, wealthier nations, responsible for nearly 79% of historical greenhouse gas emissions, are being urged to meet the $100 billion annual climate financing commitment made under the Paris Agreement.
Reforming Global Governance
Another critical agenda is the reform of global governance institutions to reflect contemporary realities. Many developing nations argue that current frameworks marginalise their voices. The inclusion of the African Union as a permanent G20 member is a landmark step towards inclusivity, representing 55 nations and 1.4 billion people. This move seeks to amplify Africa’s role in shaping solutions to global challenges.
Discussions are expected to touch on reforming bodies like the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund, with proposals to increase representation from emerging economies. For example, African nations contribute approximately 3% to the IMF’s quota system, a disparity that does not reflect their population or growing economic potential.

Poverty and Inequality
Poverty eradication is central to the summit’s goals, with over 9% of the world’s population—around 719 million people—living on less than $2.15 per day, according to the World Bank. Addressing these inequalities requires targeted investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, particularly in low-income countries.
The G20 will explore ways to mobilise private and public investments, including through initiatives like the Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion, which seeks to expand access to financial services for underserved populations.

Bilateral and Multilateral Engagements
Beyond the formal sessions, the summit provides an avenue for bilateral and multilateral dialogues. Leaders are expected to discuss specific geopolitical challenges, including the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Ukraine war, and strained US-China relations. These discussions aim to foster diplomacy and cooperation in resolving global conflicts, which have far-reaching economic and humanitarian impacts.
Measuring Progress and Accountability
A significant challenge for the G20 is translating commitments into measurable actions. Critics often argue that while the summits produce ambitious declarations, implementation lags behind. For instance, a 2021 OECD report revealed that only 68% of G20 commitments on sustainable development had been fully implemented by member states.

To enhance accountability, the summit may consider adopting more robust tracking mechanisms, such as annual progress reports and independent assessments by civil society organisations.
Conclusion
The 2024 G20 Summit in Brazil is a pivotal moment for global leaders to unite in addressing systemic inequalities and environmental challenges. By focusing on actionable solutions for food security, climate resilience, and fair representation, the summit aims to lay the groundwork for a more equitable and sustainable future. However, the real measure of success will be the extent to which these commitments are implemented in the years to come.
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