Five Key Facts About the G20 Summit as Global Leaders Convene in Rio de Janeiro
World leaders have gathered in Brazil for the G20 summit, focusing on economic reform, climate action, and rising global conflicts. The summit, taking place from Nov. 18 to Nov. 19 in Rio de Janeiro, includes prominent figures like U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
The G20, representing nearly two-thirds of the global population and about 85 percent of the world’s gross domestic product, addresses international economic issues. It was established in 1999, with the first summit held in Washington in 2008 in response to the financial crisis. Topics on the agenda this year include combatting hunger and poverty, climate action, and global governance reform.
Against a backdrop of escalating conflicts like the Israel–Hamas war, the Russia–Ukraine war, and tensions in the South China Sea, the summit addresses an environment of international uncertainty. Experts note the reemergence of internal conflicts among member nations.
Five key things to know about the 2024 G20 summit include the impact of Trump’s return to power, China’s growing influence in Latin America, Russia’s absence due to diplomatic reasons, the focus on ‘global governance’ in the final declaration, and ongoing protests addressing various social and political issues.
As tensions rise, uncertainties grow, and a new incoming Trump administration takes center stage in the United States and abroad, here are five things to know about the 2024 G20 summit.
1. Impact of Trump’s Election Win
A Republican trifecta—controlling the White House, the House of Representatives, and the Senate—is a topic that world leaders were expected to discuss at the G20.
“I think probably one of the most ironic things that is happening at these multilateral forums, especially APEC and the G20, is that most of the leaders there are probably taking advantage of this time together to figure out how to respond to the dramatic change from the Biden administration to the Trump administration in the United States,” Ellis said.
Ernesto Araújo, Brazil’s former foreign minister, who worked with Trump’s Cabinet on bilateral ties during the Republican’s previous administration, said Trump’s “America First” approach might mean that he will use other means of diplomacy rather than “multilateral” forums.
“Donald Trump is coming in with an agenda that will go head-on against the multilateral system in areas such as climate and the environment in general, including the possibility he could leave the Paris Climate Agreement and go back to privileging production and using fossil fuels, besides the health issue,” Araújo told The Epoch Times. “I see all of them are preparing to criticize Trump’s angle, saying, ‘We’re more concerned about what is coming ahead.’
“I can nearly write the speeches these countries are about to make with this ‘concern’ thing regarding what Trump will mean, how it threatens the ‘multilateral system,’ ‘global governance,’ and such things.”
The new administration’s economic policies are also a key driver of conversations.
President Joe Biden arrives at Manaus-Eduardo Gomes International Airport in Manaus, Brazil, before heading to Rio de Janeiro for the G20 summit, on Nov. 17, 2024. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
Trump’s return to the presidency has leaders weighing how to respond to potential new tariffs, which the president-elect promised on the campaign trail.
The move could also affect U.S. allies.
