The global landscape is increasingly fragmented, with once-stable elements no longer aligning. Amid escalating tensions, constructive dialogue remains critical, as highlighted by experts during a recent seminar at Peking University. The upcoming G20 Summit in Brazil, scheduled for November 18-19, 2024, provides a crucial platform for addressing pressing global issues such as climate finance, food security, and international reforms.
Given that G20 nations account for 80 percent of global emissions, discussions will prioritize strategies for climate action and international cooperation. Brazil’s Global Alliance Against Hunger initiative aims to tackle food insecurity, especially in nations least responsible for emissions.
However, challenges, including ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, could complicate efforts to reach a consensus. The summit’s success will depend on leaders’ commitment to engagement and transparent dialogue, with potential outcomes shaping global governance towards collaboration rather than division.
The shift in the global order is becoming increasingly apparent, with crises like the lingering effects of COVID-19, rising great power rivalries, and the erosion of international norms driving significant change. Lionel Barber, former editor-in-chief of the Financial Times, remarked, “We are witnessing a seismic shift in the global balance of power. The post-World War II liberal order, anchored by U.S. leadership, is under immense strain. Whether a multipolar system can offer stability remains to be seen.”
His views align with the G20’s role as a platform for dialogue and conflict resolution, highlighting initiatives from countries like Brazil, which advocate for a more inclusive global governance framework.
The G20 Summit offers a key opportunity to transcend zero-sum thinking, especially as populism and nationalism rise, making collective action on global issues like climate change increasingly urgent. Former Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy’s call for cooperation underscores the risk that prioritizing national interests could weaken key agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord. The World Health Organization warns that climate change could lead to an additional 250,000 deaths annually, underlining the need for a collaborative approach.
The diplomatic maturity of Asian nations also plays a crucial role in managing regional tensions, with frameworks like ASEAN providing avenues for sustained cooperation. Kim Sung-Hwan, former South Korean Foreign Minister, emphasized that these frameworks offer effective platforms for managing disputes and enhancing stability. The G20 discussions are likely to include enhancing trade agreements, improving supply chain resilience, and bolstering regional stability.
From the Russian perspective, Andrey Kortunov, Academic Director of the Russian Council for International Affairs, noted that “the decline of Pax Americana has ushered in a period of traditional geopolitical rivalries” and called for “innovative diplomacy” to prevent a resurgence of great power conflicts.
The G20 is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of a multipolar world, where power is more distributed. As the U.S. retreats from multilateral agreements, recalibrated strategies among G20 members will be essential to maintain stability and tackle global challenges.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
