Brazil’s foreign minister Mauro Vieira, addressed fellow foreign ministers at the G20 meeting in Rio de Janeiro, advocating for reforms of the United Nations (UN) and other multilateral institutions. Vieira highlighted the UN Security Council’s failure to prevent conflicts like those in Ukraine and Gaza.
Push for Global Governance Reform
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil has proposed reforms to global governance institutions, including the UN, the World Trade Organisation, and multilateral banks. Lula seeks stronger representation for developing nations and expansion of the UN Security Council to include more countries from Africa, Latin America, India, Germany, or Japan.
However, permanent members of the Security Council have historically opposed reforms that would diminish their power. Political scientists like Lucas Pereira Rezende express skepticism, noting the lack of momentum for UN reform amidst the organization’s crisis.
Concerns Over Global Conflicts
President Lula met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss global governance and conflicts like the one in Gaza. However, Lula’s comparison of the Gaza conflict to the Holocaust sparked a diplomatic row with Israel, leading to strained relations between the two countries.
Vieira also voiced Brazil’s deep concerns over global conflicts, emphasizing the need for concrete actions to address issues like inequality and climate change. He urged for redirecting military budgets towards development aid programs.
G20 finance ministers and central bank presidents will convene in Sao Paulo, followed by another meeting of foreign ministers in September, indicating ongoing efforts to address global challenges and promote cooperation among member nations.
(With AP Inputs)