Brazil has taken over G20 presidency for the first time

Brazil took over the presidency of the G20 in December 2023 and will remain in this position until the end of November 2024. The group, which acts as the main forum for international economic cooperation, brings together 19 countries plus the European Union and the African Union and has a one-year rotating presidency.

The country’s agenda during its year at the head of the group has been defined along three lines:

  • Fighting hunger, poverty and inequality;
  • The three dimensions of sustainable development (economic, social and environmental);
  • Global Governance reform.

In addition to the state-level forums, the work of the G20 is reinforced by groups from the public sector, the private sector and academia that discuss the same issues in their areas of activity. Among the 11 existing groups, we highlight the work of the B20 (Business 20), which brings together the international business community to try to advance the G20’s agendas through the private sector.

According to the B20’s official website, “its work process is based on Task Forces and Action Councils made up of around 1,000 business representatives from the G20 countries and selected guest countries and international organizations”. The group’s recommendations are formally transmitted to the G20 presidency at the end of its term.

This year, the B20 host organization is the Brazilian National Confederation of Industry (CNI). Abit – the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association – is taking part in 6 of the 8 working groups formed this year. They are Trade & Investment; Digital Transformation; Energy Transition & Climate; Employment & Education; Women, Diversity and Inclusion in Business; Finance & Infrastructure. The Association has sought to contribute to the discussions with a focus on the most relevant issues and priorities for the textile and apparel industries.

Also, within the framework of the B20, a workshop was organized for the first time on the presence and challenges faced by women in international trade. Held in the auditorium of the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), in Brasília, the workshop brought together leaders, members and partners from the B20 and G20, with the aim of starting meaningful dialogues for the sector.

Representing the B20, members of the Trade & Investment and Women, Diversity and Inclusion in Business task forces took part in the debate. They will be responsible for identifying barriers that limit female representation in international trade and developing a guide of best practices to reduce gender inequality in the sector.

The end of the term of this pro-tempore presidency will be marked by the G20 Summit on November 18 and 19, 2024, in the city of Rio de Janeiro. During this event, the recommendations of the task forces will be handed over to the presidency and the heads of State and government will approve the agreements negotiated throughout the year.