When participating in the closing ceremony of the G20 Social Summit, in Rio de Janeiro, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said, this Saturday (16), that the group gained “a third pillar”, which added to the political and financial pillars . “Here, collective expression and will take shape, motivated by the search for a more democratic, fair and diverse world”, he stated.
In his speech, Lula highlighted that, in an unprecedented way, engagement groups were able to interact with chancellors, ministers and presidents of Central Banks from the largest economies on the planet. “For the first time in the history of the G20, civil society from various parts of the world, in its most diverse forms of organization, came together to formulate and present their demands”, he assessed.
The president said that “the economy and international politics are not a monopoly of experts or bureaucrats. They are not just in the offices of the New York Stock Exchange or São Paulo, nor just in offices in Washington, Beijing, Brussels or Brasília. They are part of the daily lives of each of us, widening or narrowing our possibilities.”
Lula also stated that members of the G20 have “the power and responsibility” to make a difference, citing as an example the promotion of entrepreneurship and female economic autonomy; the adoption of Sustainable Development Goal 18 on racial equality; and encouraging climate ambition in line with the objective of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (°C).
“None of this would have been possible without the contribution of all of you who are here today. The Brazilian presidency would not have advanced in the three priorities it chose if it were not for the decisive participation of the organizations and movements that make up the G20 Social”, added Lula, highlighting that permanent social mobilization will be fundamental to:
– boost the work of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty and advance taxation of the super-rich;
– ensure compliance with the goals of tripling the use of renewable energy and bringing forward emissions neutrality;
– carry out our Call to Action for Global Governance Reform, ensuring more representative multilateral institutions.
“The Brazilian presidency of the G20 will leave a robust legacy of achievements, but there is still much to be done to improve people’s lives. To reach the hearts of ordinary citizens, governments need to break the growing dissonance between the ‘voice of the markets’ and the ‘voice of the streets’. Neoliberalism has worsened economic and political inequality.”
Working day
In his speech, the president also defended that the G20 discuss measures that reduce the cost of living and promote “more balanced working hours”.
“I will take the recommendations contained in the final declaration that you gave me to the other G20 leaders and work with South Africa so that they are considered in the group’s discussions”, he guaranteed.
And he added: “I hope that this social pillar of the G20 continues in the coming years, increasingly opening up our discussions to citizen engagement. This closing ceremony marks the beginning of a new stage, which will require continuous work 365 days a year and not just on the eve of leaders’ meetings.”
South Africa
During the ceremony, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said the country is ready to host the G20 in 2025. South Africa assumes the rotating presidency of the G20 in December and has committed to maintaining the Brazilian proposal for the G20 Social.
“We will involve social movements. Brazil raised the bar. We want to ensure that you can participate and have a role in this new format of the world”, he highlighted. “We will make a unified effort, with mutual support among member nations, who will be together to face common challenges,” he stated.
Climate features
In his speech, the South African chancellor also highlighted the need to reverse the imbalance of resources available to combat climate change. “The global South only receives 3% of global financial support for climate change and development,” he said, defending that the millennium goals remain in focus.
“Together, we can create a future that is not only fair and equitable, but that is sustainable for those who will inherit the world”, he concluded.G20, g20 social, lula, working hours, south africa
