Rio de Janeiro will host the T20 (Think 20) Summit in 2024, one of the most significant engagement groups of the G20 – comprised of the world's top 20 economies. The announcement was made by José Pio Borges, President of the Brazilian Center for International Relations (Cebri), at the opening of the seminar "Thinking 20, a Global Order for Tomorrow" at the City Palace in Botafogo. The event featured economist and Columbia University professor Jeffrey Sachs, alongside Rio's Mayor Eduardo Paes.
T20 acts as a "think tank" for the G20, assembling high-level experts to discuss pertinent policy issues and themes such as macroeconomics, international trade, technological digitalization, clean energy, and multilateralism.
"The resurgence of prominence paves the way for Rio, a true global city, to be heard in discussions about reforming the international financial system. Furthermore, it positions us to lead the necessary transformations in cities. At this moment, the G20 represents our 'Olympics of the GDP.' The meetings and the group's reformist agenda can align projects and public policies with their financing. With the G20, we have a historic chance to host decision-makers impacting the world economy throughout a year," stated Eduardo Paes.
T20's recommendations are presented to G20 working groups, ministerial meetings, and leaders' summits to aid in defining concrete policy measures. At the end of 2023, Brazil will assume the G20 presidency for the first time. The group's Summit will also be held in Rio de Janeiro, scheduled for November 18 and 19.
"This seminar is a preparatory event and the first of many. As the G20's themes are defined, a series of events will take place throughout the next year. Today, I announce that the T20 Organizing Committee has chosen Rio to host the summit. This will be a highly significant milestone in the G20's political process, as it's where recommendations are delivered to the G20 presidency. The realization of the T20 summit, presided over by Brazil, is a significant challenge, and we count on everyone's participation and support," stated José Pio Borges.
For Lucas Padilha, President of the Rio G20 Committee, the T20 holds great importance for Rio before the G20 meeting.
"Starting in November, with Brazil's G20 presidency, Rio de Janeiro positions itself as the G20 capital in 2024. What does this mean? It's a strategy by Rio City Hall to bring closer the G20 engagement groups, including T20. It's a crucial summit for shaping public opinion, government views, and for influencing the G20's agenda."
The federal government has established the Organizing Committee for Think 20 Brazil (T20 Brazil), formed by the Institute of Applied Economic Research (Ipea), the Alexandre de Gusmão Foundation (Funag), and the Brazilian Center for International Relations (Cebri). This committee will mobilize research centers and think tanks, contributing to strategic thought production within the G20.
"The G20 increasingly plays an essential role in economic coordination, pursuing global financial stability, and designing new sources of financing for sustainable development. And the T20 has an important role to play because it offers a comprehensive perspective, unlike other engagement groups," stated Funag's Director, Márcia Loureiro.
"The development agenda is crucial for Brazil. Our country, with all the strength it has placed on the international agenda, can also contribute to and debate relevant issues within the G20's agenda, leaving a legacy of the Brazilian presidency for the future," said Ipea's President, Luciana Servo.
The aim of the international seminar "Thinking 20, a Global Order for Tomorrow" was to take a step towards Brazil's preparation for the T20 presidency in 2024. Therefore, one of the most influential voices in the fight for sustainability and against global poverty, economist and Columbia University professor Jeffrey Sachs, participated.
Sachs delivered a lecture in the panel "A Changing World: Global Perspectives and Challenges." He serves as co-chair, alongside Mayor Eduardo Paes and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, of the Global Commission for Urban Finance for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This committee aims to bolster international financing in cities globally to achieve the goals set by the United Nations (UN).
"My fundamental proposal for the G20 is to focus on what needs to be done, what we've said needs to be done. Focus on sustainable development goals, the Paris Agreement, and the biodiversity convention. Focus on the financial needs of those in need," stated Jeffrey Sachs.
Also participating in the seminar were Aloizio Mercadante, President of BNDES, Ambassador Mauricio Carvalho Lyrio, Secretary of Economic and Financial Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago, Secretary of Climate, Energy, and Environment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tatiana Rosito, Secretary of International Affairs of the Ministry of Finance, Luciana Servo, President of the Institute of Applied Economic Research (Ipea), Ambassador Marcia Loureiro, President of the Alexandre de Gusmão Foundation (Funag), and José Pio Borges, President of the Brazilian Center for International Relations (Cebri).
