G20 Demands Reform of International System, Ceasefire in Gaza, Lebanon

The Group of 20 (G20) called for a ceasefire In the Gaza Strip and Lebanon at the conclusion of a summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The G20 Leaders’ final statement delved into a series of topics, namely sustainability, the environment, and reform of the international system. 

On the Israeli wars on Gaza and Lebanon, G20 Leaders expressed their “deep concern about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the escalation in Lebanon.”

They emphasized the need to expand humanitarian aid and protect civilians in affected regions. 

Moreover, G20 Leaders affirmed “the Palestinian right to self-determination,” underlining their commitment to the “vision of the two-state solution, where Israel and a Palestinian state live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders.”

A section dedicated to the situation in Gaza and Lebanon also reiterated the G20 Leaders’ support for a “comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza,” as well as in Lebanon, in line with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

G20 Leaders call for international system reform

The statement also pointed to the importance of promoting the UN General Assembly (UNGA), underscoring the need to strengthen its role as the “chief deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ” of the UN. 

Furthermore, world leaders called for the revitalization of the UNGA and the recognition of its authority, which they believe would enhance its effectiveness and efficiency. 

“This includes upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, particularly on issues related to the maintenance of international peace and security, through improved and intensified interaction with the Security Council,” the statement explained. 

They also called for a reform of the UNSC, which would make it more representative, inclusive, efficient, effective, democratic, and accountable. 

“We call for an enlarged Security Council composition that improves the representation of underrepresented and unrepresented regions and groups, such as Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean,” G20 Leaders concluded on the matter.