Chethana Janith, Jadetimes Staff
C. Janith is a Jadetimes news reporter covering science and geopolitics.
In a world in constant evolution, where borders are blurred and voices are gathered, the future of global governance is taking shape in Rio. At the same table, the Western minority and the BRICS Alliance of the planetary majority.
At the transformative G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 18-19 November 2024, a bold declaration was adopted, reaffirming the determination to address global challenges and foster sustainable and inclusive growth. This historic meeting marks a milestone in global governance with the integration of the African Union as a full member. Recognizing the devastating impact of inequality, leaders called for increased humanitarian assistance to counter the ongoing crises in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, while strongly condemning terrorism in all its forms. They also announced the launch of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, aimed at mobilizing financial resources and sharing knowledge to address these critical issues.
Particular attention was paid to reforming the Security Council, with a view to making it more representative and effective. Welcoming Saudi Arabia’s ambition to chair the next G20 cycle, the leaders expressed their continued willingness to cooperate in 2025 under South Africa’s leadership, and looked forward to meeting in the United States in 2026. The declaration resulting from this summit reflects a strong commitment to international cooperation for a more equitable and sustainable future.
The Summit Declaration, guiding principles for renewed global governance
In Rio, world leaders converged to address the most pressing global challenges. The gathering highlighted the imperative for enhanced international cooperation to achieve sustainable development goals, reform financial institutions, and combat climate change. The emerging economies of the BRICS Alliance actively participated in these discussions, advocating free trade and economic cooperation, while calling for a greater “de-Westernization of the world.” The final declaration highlighted crucial commitments: social inclusion, energy transitions, and institutional reforms. Under the leadership of Brazil’s presidency, initiatives such as the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty and the Climate Task Force were launched. These commitments illustrate the G20’s determination to promote balanced and inclusive growth.
BRICS Alliance voices: leaders’ speeches for a common future
In addition to bilateral meetings, leaders and representatives of the BIRCS Alliance member countries delivered plenary speeches, focusing on the fight against poverty and hunger. President Lula stressed the importance of placing long-invisible nations at the heart of the international agenda, supported by 81 countries and numerous organizations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed Russia’s commitment to global food security, announcing its membership in the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. Despite sanctions, Moscow continues to export essential products to emerging markets in Africa, Asia and Latin America, playing a key role in UN food programs. Lavrov also discussed the creation of a Eurasian partnership for independent supply chains.
The summit highlighted the need to reform international institutions for fair governance, while Brazil threatened discussions on a green economy. Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s willingness to work together for equitable global development, putting forward eight initiatives for development, while stressing the importance of a world with a shared future. South Africa and India also expressed similar visions, underscoring a global consensus for a sustainable future. However, the strikes with ATACMS missiles on the Russian region of Bryansk on the night of November 18, 2024 illustrate a clear signal of escalation desired by the West, emphasizes Mr. Sergei Lavrov. According to the head of Russian diplomacy, such operations are unthinkable without the involvement of the Americans, as he recalled at the closing press conference of the G20 summit.
International reactions to speeches by top BRICS Alliance leaders
The BRICS leaders’ speeches in Rio elicited mixed reactions globally, reflecting their commitment to cooperation and multipolarity. Many countries, particularly those in the Global South, praised the initiative, seeing it as an opportunity for emerging economies to strengthen their influence and challenge the supremacy of traditional powers. In contrast, some Western nations were critical, seeing it as a challenge to the Western dominated international order and expressing concerns about a potential weakening of “global governance” and promotion of “authoritarianism”. Reactions were more nuanced in Europe, where the importance of cooperation among emerging economies was recognized while raising concerns about the potential challenges posed by the rise of the BRICS Alliance. Overall, reactions highlighted the diversity of perspectives and priorities, revealing both common aspirations and significant divergences.
To conclude, as the G20 leaders leave Rio de Janeiro, the echo of their decisions resonates around the world. A new chapter is opening, written with the lines of cooperation, solidarity and hope. The future is on the move, driven by the collective will to build a fairer, more sustainable and more united world. As G20 leaders leave Rio, Joe Biden’s antithetical decision to allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory with U.S. missiles continues to stir up controversy over the outcome of the two-day summit. The resurgence of the military State has reintroduced the state of war onto the world stage. The world is so chaotic and so dangerous.
It can therefore be said that the Rio summit presents itself as a strategic platform for alliance, bringing together adversaries to collaborate and shape the global chessboard together.
