It is up to the great powers to define clear objectives in terms of climate, vaccine equity and eradication of hunger, but also to agree on a battle plan.
This weekend will open a grandiose ballet of nations in Rome. It is time for the richest in this world to step in to provide concrete solutions to the major challenges facing humanity.
It is clear that any decision taken during this global governance forum will weigh on our future. The figures which illustrate this are staggering: the G20 countries constitute two thirds of the world population, represent 85% of world GDP, 75% of world trade and 80% of global investment.
Four priorities, oh so essential, will determine the ability of the world to find the path of a green and equitable recovery after two years of a devastating pandemic.
A “global public good”
The world is divided between the great powers, which are preparing to inject a third dose of vaccine to their populations, and the poor countries, which do not have one. While six billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered worldwide, only 3% have been administered in low-income countries.
It is time for the G20 to set a goal of vaccinating at least 70% of the population of each country by the middle of next year.
These leaders have a responsibility to release delivery schedules and commit to delivering one billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the year to the countries that need it most.
In addition, the members of the G20 weigh enough on the international scene to demand that the pharmaceutical industry be more transparent. How many doses do pharmaceutical companies produce? Who are these doses for, under what conditions and at what price? When will the vaccines be delivered?
It is also essential that the G20 bridge the gap that divides supporters of a temporary lifting of patents on vaccines against COVID-19 and its detractors. Making COVID-19 vaccines a “global public good” is not just a matter of public health. It is also a moral and political imperative.
The future of the planet should not be a source of debate
The G20 countries are the biggest polluters on the planet, responsible for two thirds of greenhouse gas emissions. If they do not take the necessary measures today to reduce their CO emissions2, the world will continue to heat above 1.5 degrees, and extreme weather events will decimate entire communities.
Let us remind G20 leaders that poor countries are the most vulnerable to climate change when they are only responsible for a tiny part of CO emissions2.
After a decade of inaction, it is time for the world’s most powerful to honor their commitment to finally mobilize US $ 100 billion a year to help the poorest nations fight the climate crisis.
To achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, G20 countries could phase out fossil fuel subsidies by 2025, stop building coal-fired power plants and commit to preserving, plant and restore 1 trillion trees by 2030.
Ensuring a fair recovery
Solving the most pressing challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, requires radically rethinking their funding methods.
Not long ago, the International Monetary Fund made the historic decision to allocate US $ 6.5 billion to help combat the impact of the epidemic. These Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) are a unique monetary instrument used in times of crisis.
Ironically, the G20 countries are the primary beneficiaries of these funds when they hardly need them. Like the French president, who announced that France would redirect 20% of its SDRs to Africa, the great powers have the opportunity to redistribute them to the poorest countries, to the tune of at least 100 billion euros. US dollars, to initiate a real global recovery.
Stop the food crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed millions of people into poverty while hunger continues to rise in parts of the world. It is estimated today that 41 million people are on the brink of famine.
G20 leaders, who will revel in Rome, need US $ 350 million in emergency aid to tackle the food crisis, while investing in long-term sustainable food systems and supporting smallholder farmers agriculture to adapt to climate change.
The decisions made during this ballet of nations in Rome will determine whether the subsequent largest climate summit, COP26, will offer a way out of the crisis. There is no longer any excuse not to act and fail in your obligations. It’s now or never.
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