At the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM) in Rio de Janeiro Brazil (Feb 21-22, 2024), Minister of State for Ministry of External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan will represent India.
Why?
In view of the Raisina Dialogue (Feb 21-23, 2024) in New Delhi, there are several important visits including the visit of the Prime Minister of Greece. Because of a packed diplomatic week, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be in New Delhi.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) since 2012, the G20 FMM have been meeting as a group and the meeting in Rio later this week is the 10th. Over the years, the G20 FMM has grown in importance and has become a valuable forum for discussions on a range of international issues and related matters of shared concern among G20 Members.
During his visit, MoS Muraleedharan will participate in both FMM sessions, first on “G20’s role in dealing with ongoing international tensions”, and second on “Global governance reform”. He will also attend the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 22 February 2024. On the sidelines of the FMM, he will hold bilateral meetings with partner countries from the Global South.
Brazil & G20
Brazil’s assumption of the G20 presidency from India on December 1, 2023, signifies a pivotal moment in global governance. As Brazil steps into this leadership role, it takes on the responsibility of guiding the G20’s agenda and fostering international cooperation on a wide range of issues.
The transition of the G20 presidency from India to Brazil represents a seamless handover of leadership within the group. This continuity ensures that the momentum built under India’s presidency is maintained and that the G20’s efforts to address global challenges remain on track. This year in a troika has three member countries from the Global South (India, Brazil and South Africa) that also comprise the IBSA.
Under Brazil’s leadership, the G20 agenda is centered on three key priorities: combating hunger, poverty, and inequality; promoting sustainable development; and reforming global governance. These priorities reflect Brazil’s commitment to addressing the root causes of global challenges and building a more just and equitable world.
One of Brazil’s flagship initiatives as G20 president is the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty. This initiative seeks to mobilize resources and expertise to tackle food insecurity and promote agricultural sustainability, drawing on Brazil’s own experiences in combating hunger and poverty.
In addition to addressing immediate challenges, Brazil is also focused on promoting long-term sustainable development. This includes initiatives to promote renewable energy, protect biodiversity, and advance social inclusion. By championing sustainable development, Brazil aims to ensure that economic growth is inclusive and environmentally responsible.
Another key priority for Brazil is reforming global governance to better reflect the realities of the 21st century. This includes advocating for greater representation of emerging economies in international institutions such as the IMF, World Bank, and WTO. Brazil also supports efforts to strengthen the United Nations and other multilateral organizations to ensure that they are effective and responsive to the needs of all countries.
As G20 president, Brazil is committed to fostering dialogue and cooperation among member countries. This includes convening high-level meetings, hosting summits, and facilitating discussions on key issues such as trade, finance, and climate change. By serving as a neutral forum for dialogue, Brazil aims to build consensus and drive collective action on global challenges.