On the eve of the much-anticipated G20 Summit, António Guterres engaged with reporters in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, emphasizing the critical role of global leadership.
‘A simple message’
“I have come to Rio with a straightforward yet powerful message: G20 leaders must take decisive action,” he asserted emphatically.
“G20 countries possess immense economic influence and substantial diplomatic power. They must harness this strength to confront pressing global challenges head-on,” Guterres urged, pointing to the collective responsibility of the member nations.
Mr. Guterres arrived in Rio following his participation in the ongoing COP29 UN climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, where nations are striving to address critical environmental issues.
Race against challenges
He underscored the urgent necessity for nations to “accelerate efforts to address fundamental common challenges,” including the deepening climate crisis, escalating conflicts, rising impunity, increasing inequality, and hampered progress in combating hunger and poverty.
Moreover, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are currently off-track, and new technologies present both exceptional opportunities and significant risks. “Our failure to effectively address these challenges is gradually eroding public trust in governmental institutions,” he cautioned.
He reminded attendees that in September, UN Member States unanimously adopted the Pact for the Future, a framework aiming to bolster multilateralism and advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
Women who have fled their homes in Gaza rest on a wall.
‘Step up for peace’
Mr. Guterres emphasized the imperative need to “step up for peace” in crisis-ridden regions such as Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, and Sudan.
“Achieving peace necessitates actions grounded in the core values of the UN Charter, including the rule of law, principles of sovereignty, and the political independence and territorial integrity of states,” he articulated, calling for a unified approach.
‘Unfair’ international financial system
Shifting focus to financial matters, the Secretary-General addressed the challenges faced by vulnerable countries, which “face tremendous headwinds and obstacles that are not of their making.”
He argued that these nations are not receiving adequate support from the current international financial system, which he characterized as “outdated, ineffective, and unfair.”
Guterres noted that the Pact for the Future calls for ambitious reforms aimed at creating a more equitable financial framework that accurately reflects the needs of developing nations.
“This includes amplifying the voice and representation of developing nations within international financial institutions,” he elaborated.
Furthermore, the Pact advocates for measures such as significantly enhancing the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks and promoting comprehensive tax cooperation. “The global community is looking to the G20 to fulfill these commitments,” he stressed.
Around the clock negotiations are underway at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, on a new global climate finance deal.
COP29 concerns
On the subject of climate negotiations, the Secretary-General articulated his concern regarding the current state at COP29, emphasizing the necessity for nations to establish an ambitious climate finance goal tailored to meet the scale of challenges faced by developing nations.
This agreement is vital in fostering trust between developed and developing countries and incentivizing the establishment of high-ambition national climate plans for next year, he explained clearly.
“I appeal to the sense of responsibility of all G20 nations. Leadership by example is crucial from the world’s largest economies and emissions contributors. We cannot afford failure,” he stated emphatically.
Mr. Guterres expressed optimism that a successful resolution is within reach, provided there is robust leadership and a spirit of compromise from the G20 nations.
The heat is on
He cautioned that current climate policies are steering the planet towards a catastrophic 3.1-degree Celsius rise in global temperatures by the century’s end, far exceeding the targeted 1.5 degrees.
Notably, G20 nations represent approximately 80 percent of global emissions and “must spearhead national climate strategies that align with the agreed guidance of maintaining a temperature increase within 1.5 degrees Celsius, addressing the entire economy and all greenhouse gases,” he emphasized.
The Secretary-General also called attention to essential actions needed, such as ensuring developed countries uphold their commitment to double adaptation financing. Additionally, he stressed the importance of combating misinformation surrounding climate change, which ranges from outright denial to greenwashing tactics and the harassment of climate scientists.
In response to this, the UN is launching the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change in collaboration with Brazil and the UN’s education and science agency, UNESCO.
Equitable access to tech
For his final point, the Secretary-General spotlighted the significance of the Global Digital Compact that was adopted at the UN Summit of the Future.
This compact represents the first universal accord on Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance, “bringing every nation into the conversation,” he highlighted.
Additionally, the Compact calls for the establishment of an independent international Scientific Panel dedicated to AI, which aims to initiate a global dialogue regarding its governance within the UN, coupled with innovative voluntary funding mechanisms enabling developing countries to enhance their AI capabilities.
‘Seize every opportunity’
Despite the multitude of challenges facing the global community, the Secretary-General acknowledged that numerous potential solutions also exist and asserted, “the G20 must lead by example.”
He stated that this leadership is fundamental to restoring public trust, credibility, and legitimacy in governments and the overall international system during these turbulent times.
“We need to seize every opportunity to foster transformative actions aimed at creating a safer, more peaceful, and sustainable world,” he concluded with a note of urgency and hope.
What key initiatives does António Guterres believe the G20 should adopt to address the climate crisis effectively?
**Interview with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the Eve of the G20 Summit**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us, Mr. Guterres. As you arrive in Rio de Janeiro ahead of the G20 Summit, you’ve emphasized the need for decisive action from global leaders. What do you see as the immediate priorities for the G20?
**Guterres**: Thank you for having me. My message is simple: G20 leaders must take decisive action, as they hold significant economic and diplomatic power. This Summit presents a crucial opportunity to confront pressing global challenges such as the climate crisis, rising inequality, and escalating conflicts. We cannot afford to wait; the urgency is now.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned a range of critical issues—from climate change to financial inequities. How do you propose that the G20 address these challenges collectively?
**Guterres**: It starts with recognizing our collective responsibility. The G20 should lead by example, particularly concerning the climate crisis. Nations must amplify their commitment to sustainable development. We need comprehensive reforms in the international financial system to ensure developing nations receive adequate support. The recent Pact for the Future is a key framework to facilitate these reforms.
**Interviewer**: Given the recent events in Gaza and other crisis regions, how should G20 countries prioritize peace and stability in their discussions?
**Guterres**: Peace is paramount. G20 countries must step up for peace in conflict-stricken areas like Gaza and Ukraine, grounding their actions in the values of the UN Charter—sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity. A unified and diplomatic approach is necessary to foster stability and address the humanitarian needs arising from these crises.
**Interviewer**: Environmental concerns are high on the agenda, especially with COP29 taking place. What specific commitments do you expect from G20 leaders regarding climate finance?
**Guterres**: I am looking for ambitious commitments to establish a climate finance goal that meets the scale of challenges faced by developing countries. G20 nations, which account for about 80% of global emissions, must lead national climate strategies that align with keeping the temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius. This includes doubling adaptation financing, enhancing support for vulnerable nations, and combating misinformation about climate change.
**Interviewer**: Lastly, what message do you want to communicate to the global community as the G20 Summit approaches?
**Guterres**: The world is watching, and the stakes are incredibly high. We need robust leadership and a spirit of compromise from G20 nations. Together, we can tackle these challenges head-on, restore trust in our institutions, and pave the way for a sustainable future. We cannot afford to fail; our collective well-being depends on it. Thank you.