The Significance of a Multipolar World: Insights from Brazilian President Lula

In a world marked by geopolitical complexities, the recent G-20 summit held on September 10 brought forth an essential message: the significance of a multipolar world. Addressing the press following the summit, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his satisfaction with the event, highlighting Brazil’s founding role in the G-20 and the importance of a world characterized by multiple centers of power and influence.

G-20 and the Global Biofuel Alliance

President Lula emphasized that the G-20 summit held particular importance for Brazil, given its historical involvement in the establishment of this forum. He drew attention to one key achievement that stood out during the summit – the creation of the Global Biofuel Alliance. This alliance was a cause Brazil had championed for a long time, owing to its recognized expertise in biofuels.

President Lula underscored the significance of this development, stating, “What happened at G-20 is more important than the money spent in organizing it. The global biofuel alliance is one great initiative, so we should say India invested the money, not spent the money.” This initiative was launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with global leaders such as U.S. President Joe Biden, President Lula himself, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni among its supporters.

Brazil’s Role as the G-20 Chair

Brazil is set to assume the role of the G-20 chair from India in December, a responsibility that President Lula acknowledged as a substantial challenge. He outlined the priorities Brazil would focus on during its leadership, with a strong emphasis on addressing inequality in various dimensions, including gender, race, education, health, poverty, and hunger. President Lula stressed that achieving global balance and equity was essential for the world’s well-being.

Multilateral Institution Reforms

Another critical aspect highlighted by President Lula was the need for reforms in multilateral institutions, specifically mentioning the World Bank and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He questioned the existence of widespread hunger in the world today and emphasized the necessity of equitable growth to combat issues such as unrest, hunger, and poverty.

Regarding the African debt of $800 billion, President Lula proposed its conversion into public works programs aimed at building infrastructure and alleviating poverty.

Brazil’s Geopolitical Presence

Reflecting on Brazil’s role in the international arena, President Lula expressed his mission to put Brazil back on the geopolitical map. He reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for global inequality and highlighted the importance of Brazil’s contribution to the G-20.

He also commended India for successfully organizing the G-20 summit, expressing Brazil’s intent to make the event more inclusive and democratic, involving civil society and various Brazilian cities.

Putin’s Potential Attendance and Diplomatic Relations

Regarding the potential attendance of Russian President Vladimir Putin at next year’s G-20 summit in Brazil, President Lula clarified that the decision would rest with Brazil’s judiciary. He stated, “If Mr. Putin decides to join, it is the judiciary’s power to decide and not my government.”

President Lula also expressed his hope for the attendance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Putin at the Rio summit, while voicing his desire for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict.

Expanding G-20 Membership

President Lula noted the G-20’s unique composition, consisting of BRICS nations and all G7 countries. He emphasized the need for a change in the multilateral system and the importance of G-20 membership for various regional groupings, such as the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and potentially others in the future.

In conclusion, President Lula’s remarks following the G-20 summit shed light on the evolving dynamics of global politics and the significance of a multipolar world order. Brazil’s upcoming leadership in the G-20 presents an opportunity to address critical global issues, promote equity, and drive reforms in multilateral institutions.

Source: The Hindu