President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva launched a Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty during the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, emphasizing the urgent need to combat global hunger, as 733 million people face malnutrition. The initiative has garnered support from 81 countries, with Lula expressing disappointment over current global crises while urging leaders to act decisively against poverty and hunger.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil inaugurated the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro by launching a pivotal initiative aimed at combating global hunger, characterizing it as the “ultimate symbol of our collective tragedy.” The president emphasized the need for urgent attention to hunger and poverty, citing alarming statistics from the United Nations regarding undernourished populations worldwide. As Brazil assumes the G20 presidency, Lula has made the establishment of a Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty the central focus of this presidency, garnering support from 81 nations. During his address, Lula reflected on the state of the world since the first G20 meeting he attended in 2008 and expressed disappointment with the present situation. He highlighted various global crises, including armed conflicts, mass displacements, and rising inequalities, but underscored that the most pressing issue remains hunger affecting 733 million people. Leaders from around the globe, including prominent figures such as Joe Biden and Xi Jinping, were present during his speech. Despite Argentina’s initial hesitance to endorse the plan, President Javier Milei eventually agreed to participate after negotiations. The summit marks the first face-to-face meeting between Lula and Milei, attracting attention due to their notably chilly interaction. As the G20 discusses urgent global issues, Lula’s push for collective action against hunger garners focused attention, aiming for transformative change within the international community. The Global Alliance, now comprising 148 signatories, including 82 countries, is supported by a diverse coalition, including international organizations and philanthropic entities. Lula’s leadership and his commitment to addressing hunger within the G20 framework signify a vital turning point in addressing this global crisis. He concluded his address by urging all participants, “May this summit be marked by the courage to act,” signaling the critical need for tangible outcomes from the discussions taking place.
The significance of the G20 summit lies in its status as a gathering of the world’s leading economies, which collectively influence global policies. With Brazil holding the rotating presidency, President Lula is leveraging this opportunity to confront one of the most pressing social issues—hunger. The formation of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty serves as a strategic initiative to unite nations and organizations towards a common goal of eradicating food insecurity, which impacts millions globally.
The launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty by President Lula at the G20 summit is a decisive step towards addressing the severe issue of hunger that affects 733 million people around the world. Despite initial resistance from Argentina, the broader global response has been one of support, with over 148 signatories committing to collaborate on this pressing challenge. Lula’s call for collective action highlights the urgent need for sustainable solutions as we move forward from this summit.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
