Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially concluded the G20 summit in New Delhi on Sunday by handing over the ceremonial gavel to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, marking the transition of the bloc’s presidency.
During the closing remarks, President Lula emphasized the importance of maintaining the focus on the G20’s agenda amid ongoing geopolitical challenges, implicitly referring to the conflict in Ukraine. He stressed that global leaders must avoid letting geopolitical issues overshadow discussions within the G20.
President Lula stated, “We cannot let geopolitical issues sequester the G20 agenda of discussions. We have no interest in a divided G20. We need peace and cooperation instead of conflict.”
This statement reflects the desire to prioritize cooperation and unity within the G20 to address pressing global issues, even in the face of international tensions.
As Brazil assumes the G20 presidency, it will play a central role in guiding the group’s discussions and initiatives over the coming year. The G20 continues to serve as an essential platform for international cooperation and coordination on economic, financial, and other critical global matters.