This week, Brazil hosts the Group of 20 (G20) summit in Rio de Janeiro, with a focused agenda on combating global hunger. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has called upon G20 leaders to address food insecurity, describing it as a “stain that shames humanity.” The summit, however, unfolds amidst mounting geopolitical tensions, including renewed U.S. foreign policy shifts with President-elect Donald Trump’s return.
As the summit begins, leaders are facing concurrent global wars—one in Ukraine, another in the Middle East—and navigating uncertainties about the direction of U.S. foreign policy under Trump, whose “America First” stance is expected to influence multilateral cooperation.
Combatting Hunger and Poverty
In his opening address, President Lula urged G20 nations to adopt concrete measures to combat food insecurity. The centrepiece of his agenda is the Global Alliance Against Hunger, an initiative aimed at reducing malnutrition through cooperative social programmes and creative funding. To date, 81 countries have reportedly signed onto the alliance, aligning with Lula’s priority for this year’s G20.
Other proposals from Brazil, however, have met resistance. Among these are plans for a global tax on the wealthy and frameworks for financing a green economic transition. Argentina has raised objections to sections of the draft declaration, particularly provisions regarding a super-rich tax and gender equality commitments.
Ambassador Mauricio Lyrio, Brazil’s chief G20 negotiator, stated that the summit’s concluding declaration is expected to mention the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, though any language on these matters is anticipated to be carefully phrased to maintain G20 cohesion.
Lula’s Diplomatic Balancing Act
Brazil, under President Lula, has reverted to a nonalignment policy, engaging diplomatically with multiple international players to navigate a multipolar world. This approach has helped Brazil secure the G20 summit, with Lula positioning himself as a bridge-builder. However, some of his diplomatic decisions have drawn criticism, particularly a joint peace initiative with China regarding Ukraine, which does not call for a Russian withdrawal—an approach Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised.
Lula’s recent remarks comparing Israel’s actions in Gaza to the Holocaust also added complexity to his position as a neutral mediator. While nonalignment provides Brazil with flexibility, it tests Lula’s ability to maintain equilibrium amidst sensitive international issues.
Trump’s Return and Its Potential Impact
The return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency following his recent electoral victory has introduced additional uncertainty into the summit discussions. Known for his scepticism towards multilateral organisations, Trump’s “America First” stance is expected to reshape Washington’s global outlook. International relations expert Cristiane Lucena Carneiro observed that Trump’s policies could present obstacles to reaching consensus on divisive issues.
President Joe Biden, who remains in office, attended the G20 summit with a focus on climate commitments and Ukraine support. Following his visit to Brazil’s Amazon, Biden pledged an additional $50 million to the Amazon Fund for conservation. He is also expected to announce significant new funding for the World Bank’s International Development Association fund, aimed at supporting low-income nations, prior to Trump’s assumption of office.
These developments have raised concerns about U.S. consistency in foreign policy, with some international observers viewing China as a potentially more stable partner. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the summit, marking the first high-level engagement between the two nations since 2018, signalling a possible recalibration of the UK-China relationship.
Key Figures and Notable Absences
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who faces an international arrest warrant, was absent from the G20 summit, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov representing Russia. Although the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East are not the summit’s main agenda items, they remain unavoidable discussion points. Biden’s recent extension of U.S. military aid, which allows Ukraine to target more strategic sites within Russia, has kept the issue active, as reports emerge suggesting North Korean reinforcements for Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine.
