The leaders of the G20 had not taken concrete steps in the fight against poverty, hunger and climate change, was the criticism after the summit on the Indonesian island of Bali on Wednesday.
“In the midst of a debt crisis, austerity and inequality, we expected much more from the world’s major economies,” said Oxfam’s Jörn Kalinski. At a time when G20 leaders should have flexed their economic muscles, they “flinched back,” Kalinski said. “There was no sign of collective determination to solve the world’s problems.” Instead, there are only “recycled insurances”, a smoldering debt crisis and measures for corona vaccinations and health security “that are as useful as a plaster on a broken leg”.
“The lack of results from the G20 summit shows that the most powerful countries in the world have again failed to take their responsibility,” said Friederike Röder of Global Citizen. In the fight against climate change, only previous statements have been repeated. Even though the G20 sees the economic impact of the climate crisis and the need for greater efforts, “they don’t take responsibility for their own actions”. With a share of 80 percent, the G20 countries are the largest CO2 producers.
Global Citizen welcomed the extension of the agreement on grain exports from Ukraine and targeted support for rising food prices. “But that’s just not enough given the 50 million people who are on the brink of starvation,” Röder said.
“The current hunger crisis is the worst in 40 years,” said Fiona Uellendahl of World Vision. “More than 820 million people go to bed hungry every day.” Since there is not enough money available, only “triple steps” are possible.
“We witnessed yet another G20 summit that promised much but delivered no real action for the millions of people most affected by hunger, poverty, economic hardship and the climate crisis,” said Amy Dodd of ONE.
Today, 22 African countries are facing national bankruptcy. Nevertheless, there is a lack of urgency and a clear timetable for the reform of global financial institutions such as the World Bank. A full assessment of climate commitments will only be possible after the results of the world climate conference in Egypt. “But it is good that a clear signal has been given for a new and more ambitious target for climate finance,” said Dodd.
(SDA)