Berkley Center

Brazil, holding the rotating presidency of the G20, has introduced the G20 Social to enhance the involvement of non-governmental actors in the G20 activities and decision-making processes. The country aims to ensure that this participation is consolidated in all future G20 summits. The G20 Social Summit, held from November 14 to 16, precedes the meeting of the leaders of the world’s largest economies on November 18 and 19. The debates will revolve around the three major themes, which have been the focus of G20 Brazil 2024 discussions: (1) the fight against hunger, poverty, and inequality; (2) sustainable development and climate change; and (3) the reform of global governance and taxation reform.

The G20 Social Event

The G20 Social Summit features over 200 self-managed activities organized by civil society organizations. The opening ceremony on November 14 includes notable figures, such as Márcio Macêdo, the Brazilian president’s secretary-general; First Lady Janja da Silva; and several ministers. The second day focuses on plenary sessions discussing the fight against hunger, climate change, and global governance reform. The final document, reflecting the contributions of civil society, will be delivered to President Lula da Silva on the last day of the G20 Social Summit and incorporated into the leaders’ main declaration. This approach aims to ensure that the concerns of society are addressed in the global discussions at the G20 summit.

The Participation of G20 Interfaith Forum

On November 14, 2024, the G20 Interfaith Forum (IF20) made significant contributions to the inaugural G20 Social Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. IF20 brought together religious leaders, and policy experts to present compelling, moral perspectives on five priority areas: food security, environmental protection, financial reform, social cohesion, and human trafficking.

Food Security

Asma Lateef, Chief of Policy and Advocacy Impact at the SDG2 Advocacy Hub, addressed the global food crisis, focusing on the intergenerational nature of food inequality. She noted that one in four children are in severe food poverty, with less than 10% receiving adequate fruits and vegetables, and less than 5% getting sufficient protein. Lateef also discussed the Global Food Alliance, a focus of this year’s G20, as a way to combat world hunger. 

Human Trafficking 

Kevin Hyland, OBE, an advisor to the Santa Marta Group, delivered a stark assessment of human trafficking, emphasizing the urgent need for action. He highlighted the alarming statistics that less than 1% of victims are formally identified, and less than 0.02% see justice. Hyland compared the annual deaths of children from poor labor conditions to the equivalent of 110 Boeing 737 crashes each year. He proposed a solution through an international team financed through G20 countries.

Financial Reform

Eric LeCompte, executive director of Jubilee USA Network, emphasized the critical connection between financial reform and global development. He described the current financial crisis as the greatest of our lifetimes, noting that nearly two decades of development have been lost. This financial instability translates into real challenges for working people and their families.

Social Cohesion

Irenilda Aparecida Maria Francisco (Iya Gilda), general coordinator for religious freedom at Brazil's Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship, focused on the critical role of religious communities in promoting social cohesion. She encouraged educational initiatives to understand other religions and their beliefs and to encourage freedom of religion and the end of human rights violations.

Environmental Sustainability 

Carlos Vicente, Brazil national facilitator for the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative, discussed the interconnected nature of environmental challenges and social justice. Concern over the future of the Amazon rainforest and the current and future plight of indigenous tribes living in this diminishing environment have been a principal issue discussed during G20 Brazil.

Additional speakers included Wellingtons Pereira, World Vision Brazil; Carolina Rocha, Institute for the Study of Religion; Ivo Pereira da Silva, Brazilian policy analyst; Márcia Leonora Santos Regis Orlandini, director of the Clinic to Combat Slave Labor; and Dom Zanoni Demetino, archbishop of Feira de Santana, Bahia. A video of the event will be available on the G20 Interfaith Forum website.

Significance of the G20 Interfaith Forum at the G20 Social Summit

The inclusion of the G20 Interfaith Forum in this inaugural G20 Social Summit marks a significant step forward in recognizing the vital role of religious voices in global policy discussions. W. Cole Durham Jr., president of the G20 Interfaith Forum, emphasized the forum's unique contribution to the broader G20 process, saying that "while the problems we're talking about are very daunting and huge, they're possible and imperative to solve. We need to find political will; we already have the technical knowledge needed." The IF20 seeks global solutions by drawing on the vital role that religious beliefs play in world affairs. Reflecting a rich diversity of institutions, ideas, and values, the IF20’s network of networks helps prioritize key global policy goals and supports their implementation.