Ahead of G20 summit, Brazil’s ambassador stresses on action on UNSC reforms

By Ananya Singh

Ahead of the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s Ambassador to India Kenneth Felix Haczynski da Nobrega has called for urgent reforms of global governance institutions, including the UN Security Council, and underlined the need for concrete action on this front at the November 18-19 summit.

“India achieved a significant result by finding consensus on a summit declaration last year, paving the way for Brazil to negotiate a call for action on global governance reform,” said the Brazilian envoy while alluding to the 2023 New Delhi Declaration. He was speaking during an online interaction organized by Centre for Global India Insights, a think tank focused on global affairs, on the upcoming G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The interaction was moderated by Manish Chand, Founder-CEO of CGII and Editor, “India’s G20 Legacy: Shaping a New World Order.”

Ambassador Nobrega commended India’s G20 leadership during its G20 presidency, highlighting its success in finalizing the summit declaration despite geopolitical challenges such as the Russia-Ukraine war.

A Call for Inclusive Global Governance

Mr Nobrega underscored the growing recognition among G20 nations of the need for reforms in global governance institutions. “There is now a sense that the reform of the UN must be carried out,” he said, referencing sentiments expressed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The ambassador pointed out that the outdated structure of institutions like the UN Security Council fails to reflect current geopolitical realities and hinders progress toward inclusive governance.

The ambassador outlined a broader call for reform that includes not only the UNSC but also financial and trade institutions like the World Trade Organization. He emphasised that this call for action builds on the idea that governance institutions must adapt to ensure inclusivity and effectiveness.

While expressing optimism about the maturing consensus for reforms, the envoy maintained a cautious tone. “We are perhaps in a better situation now than two years ago,” he observed, attributing this progress to the evolving acknowledgment among G20 members of the need for institutional changes. However, he cautioned against overpromising or creating unrealistic expectations, emphasizing the importance of a pragmatic approach.

The ambassador also highlighted Brazil’s intention to ensure that reforms are not just discussed but implemented. “Beyond discussion, we need implementation,” he stressed, signalling Brazil’s commitment to achieving tangible outcomes under its G20 presidency.

UNSC Reform as a G20 Priority

The ambassador underlined that the G20, as a unique forum bridging developed and developing nations, is well-positioned to lead this charge. He pointed to Brazil’s leadership role in negotiating actionable reforms and fostering consensus among diverse stakeholders.

Striking a note of caution, Mr Chand pointed out that discussions around these reforms often fall into the realm of rhetoric, repeatedly echoed at multilateral forums without yielding concrete progress. Referring to the recent BRICS summit in Kazan, Mr. Chand noted the continued emphasis on reform and expansion of the Security Council but acknowledged the persistent challenge of achieving consensus within the G20. He observed that the presence of “coffee club” members—countries less enthusiastic about Security Council reforms—adds a layer of complexity to advancing this crucial agenda.

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