Brazil Calls for UN Reform as It Assumes G20 Presidency

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razil’s Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira, used the inauguration of the country’s G20 presidency to call for a comprehensive overhaul of the United Nations (UN) and other multilateral institutions. Expressing frustration over the UN Security Council’s perceived inability to prevent or resolve global conflicts, Vieira urged for reforms to address the current challenges facing the international community.

The G20 meeting in Rio de Janeiro, attended by foreign ministers from the world’s leading nations, aims to set a roadmap for addressing issues such as poverty, climate change, and escalating global tensions.

Vieira specifically highlighted the Security Council’s limitations in dealing with conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the need for a more effective and responsive multilateral system. His remarks underscored Brazil’s commitment to championing reforms in global governance institutions, including the UN, the World Trade Organization, and multilateral banks. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has proposed stronger representation for developing nations and a reevaluation of the UN Security Council’s structure.

Expanding the UN Security Council

One of the key proposals put forth by Brazil involves expanding the UN Security Council, allowing for the inclusion of more countries from Africa, Latin America, India, Germany, and Japan. President Lula has emphasized the urgency of reforming the Security Council by advocating for the removal of the right of veto, which he deems outdated and obstructive.

However, the success of these proposals remains uncertain, as permanent Security Council members have historically resisted reforms that could diminish their influence.

Foreign Minister Vieira expressed deep concern over the proliferation of conflicts globally, citing over 170 locations experiencing hostilities. He argued that a significant portion of the $2 trillion spent annually on global military budgets should be redirected toward development aid programs.

Addressing existential threats such as inequalities and climate change, Vieira called for concrete actions, stating, “These are the wars we must fight in 2024.”

Blinken meets Lula

While these calls for reform align with Brazil’s vision for a more inclusive and responsive international order, the challenge lies in garnering widespread support and overcoming the resistance of powerful nations reluctant to relinquish established privileges. The G20 foreign ministers’ meeting sets the stage for ongoing discussions, with a focus on shaping a collective approach to global challenges.

In a related development, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with President Lula to discuss global governance and other issues. The discussions also touched on the conflict in Gaza, with both leaders expressing urgency in facilitating the release of hostages and increasing humanitarian assistance. The diplomatic row between Israel and Brazil, triggered by Lula’s controversial comments comparing Israel’s actions to the Holocaust, remains unresolved, adding a layer of complexity to the diplomatic engagements during Blinken’s visit.

Source: The Associated Press