LIMA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has departed Peru for the G20 summit in Brazil, as Canada navigates its role amid tensions between the United States and fast-growing economies in the developing world.
The G20, an international forum for leaders from diverse nations—ranging from French President Emmanuel Macron to Argentina's populist President Javier Milei—convenes in Rio de Janeiro to address pressing issues like global hunger and digital currency regulations.
This year’s summit follows the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president, with his campaign emphasizing a retreat from global institutions and increased tariffs. John Kirton, head of the G20 Research Group, views the forum as critical for countries to prepare for the challenges of a second Trump administration. "The world’s most powerful leaders need to collaborate directly, as only they understand the dynamics of dealing with such a leader," he explained.
Trudeau’s summit schedule includes informal talks with world leaders and participation in a Global Citizen event focused on poverty alleviation. His office has yet to confirm specific bilateral meetings but notes potential talks with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Both leaders, committed to fighting climate change, face a 2026 review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement. Trudeau acknowledged concerns over Chinese investments in Mexico but expressed optimism about future collaboration.
Trudeau is also expected to meet Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, known as Lula, whose summit priorities—economic equality for Indigenous Peoples, climate change, clean energy, and poverty reduction—align closely with Canada's objectives. Both leaders also support global governance reforms to give developing nations a greater voice in international institutions.
Countries like Brazil argue that outdated systems, designed post-World War II, disproportionately favor Western powers. Developing nations and regions such as the Caribbean highlight difficulties accessing affordable financing for climate resilience projects, as high debt interest eclipses critical spending on education and healthcare.
Brazil, a democracy with a pragmatic approach to diplomacy, has faced significant challenges, including severe climate impacts like urban flooding and Amazon forest fires. Internally, the nation continues to combat misinformation and political instability following a January 2023 insurrection echoing the U.S. Capitol riots.
As a BRICS member, Brazil aims to challenge Western dominance in global economics, but experts caution against viewing the country as part of an anti-Western bloc. Vina Nadjibulla of the Asia Pacific Foundation stresses the importance of nuanced engagement with Brazil on shared priorities like free trade and democratic governance. "Without constructive collaboration, we risk pushing Brazil closer to disruptive powers like Russia and China," she warned.
Global tensions, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war, add complexity to this year’s summit. Notably, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is attending in place of President Vladimir Putin, who faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant. Whether these conflicts will feature prominently in the summit’s joint communiqué remains uncertain, especially given Lula's controversial February remarks likening Israel’s actions in Gaza to the Holocaust.
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