Kathmandu: As the G20 Summit prepares to convene on November 18-19 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, global leaders have been called upon to prioritize climate action and bolster climate finance, particularly for developing and least-developed countries.

Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, issued a statement on November 16 urging G20 nations to make climate change the centerpiece of their discussions. "The global climate crisis must be order of business Number One in Rio," Stiell emphasized, highlighting the need for swift and substantial emission reductions to prevent "climate-driven economic carnage" in G20 economies.

Stiell praised the commitment of some G20 members to allocate $2 trillion toward clean energy in 2023 but emphasized the need for bolder action to address the escalating climate crisis.

The G20, comprising 19 countries and two regional blocs—the African Union and European Union—represents over 85% of global GDP and 75% of global trade. Leaders from member nations, including the United States, China, and India, are expected to address pressing issues such as sustainable development, energy transition, social inclusion, and global governance under the summit's theme, "Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet."

Brazil, which holds the G20’s rotating presidency this year, has placed eradicating global hunger and fostering collaboration for sustainable development high on the agenda.

The G20 Summit, established in 1999 as a forum for finance ministers and central bank governors, has evolved into a platform for addressing global challenges that transcend national borders. A formal declaration summarizing the leaders’ commitments is expected at the conclusion of the summit.

Last year’s summit was hosted by India, and this year’s event has drawn significant attention as the world watches for decisive climate action from the G20 nations.