In an exclusive interview for the G20 Brasil website during the G20 Development Working Group meeting in Salvador, Bahia, Brazilian Sherpa Mauricio Lyrio emphasized the importance of convening meetings across different Brazilian cities to recognize the country's historical, cultural, economic, and environmental diversity. Lyrio underscored the importance of reducing inequalities and fostering trilateral cooperation for long-term development.
"Brasil's G20 presidency must represent the entire country," said Ambassador Mauricio Lyrio, explaining the decision to hold meetings in various cities across the country. In an exclusive interview, Lyrio stated that this is an opportunity to showcase and value Brasil's historical, cultural, economic, and environmental diversity. "It is particularly important to hold meetings in Bahia, because, in my view, the state has significantly contributed to the formation of Brasil itself," he stated.
The Sherpa participated in the opening of the third meeting of the forum's Development Working Group, held this week in Salvador, the capital of Bahia. He emphasized the commitment of member countries to combating inequalities, describing it as "a guiding element for sustainable development".
"President Lula made it clear from the start that reducing inequalities is an important part of development. This working group is dedicated to addressing the issue in all of its forms, including social, racial, and gender inequality. I think this is a top priority for this group."
"President Lula made it clear from the start that reducing inequalities is an important part of development. This working group is dedicated to addressing the issue in all of its forms, including social, racial, and gender inequality. I think this is a top priority for this group", Lyrio explained.
Cooperation for development
Lyrio pointed out that the WG also discussed trilateral cooperation, combining developing countries' successful public policy experiences with the financial capacity of developed and developing economies to provide assistance to a third country.
"The Global South has developed effective policies to combat poverty and hunger, such as the Bolsa Família program in Brazil. As a result of this trilateral cooperation, rich countries can assist third-country governments implement successful policies," he described.
G20 in times of crisis
The ambassador stated that carbon emissions from rich countries that went through industrialization earlier are primarily responsible for climate change. Now, developing countries must develop sustainably. "We need to mobilize international resources to make this transition successful and sustainable," he said.
Regarding the G20 debates in light of the worsening climate crisis, Lyrio emphasized that the world is in a state of emergency, dealing with a problem that is now part of everyday life. "We are saddened to witness what has just happened in Rio Grande do Sul. Climate change affects all countries, and usually the poorest suffer the most. This is yet another reason for a major mobilization, which requires political effort, considerable capital, attention and priority on the international agenda in order to move forward," said Lyrio.
