At G20, Brazil reaffirms commitment to fighting racism
Brazil reaffirmed its commitment to fighting racism and racial inequalities during the G20 meeting in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday (Jul. 23). “At a time when, regrettably, we are witnessing manifestations of racism and discrimination, including in sport, Brazil remains committed to promoting ethnic and racial equality, which is not only a noble goal, but an imperative for building a fairer world, including a sustainable one,” Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira said in his opening speech to the second session of the Ministerial Development Meeting, The Fight Against Inequalities and Trilateral Cooperation.
Brazil’s Minister for Racial Equality Anielle Franco, who also took part in the panel discussion, stressed that the fight against racism and other inequalities must be a commitment not just made by Brazil but the entire world: “We also know that solving a systemic, structural, and historical problem is not just a task for a single ministry or even a single country.”
Both ministers stressed the importance of Brazil’s commitment to the issue. In a speech to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 2023, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced the voluntary creation of Sustainable Development Goal 18, aimed at achieving ethnic and racial equality in Brazilian society.
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global agenda to end poverty and inequality. They were agreed upon by the 193 member states of the UN and must be achieved by 2030. There are 17 goals in all. President Lula proposed nationally that an 18th goal should also be pursued in search of ethnic and racial equality.
Global Alliance
The G20 meeting began Monday (22). A series of events are planned throughout the week.
On Wednesday (24), the pre-launch of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty—one of the priorities of Brazil’s G20 presidency—will be held, to be attended by President Lula.
Since 2008, the countries have taken turns in the presidency. This is the first time Brazil has chaired the G20 in its current format.
