At the G20 Summit, United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres expressed hope that India’s presidency would bring transformative changes aligned with the Global South’s interests and development goals. However, he highlighted a concerning reality, likening the world to a “dysfunctional family” marred by growing divisions, escalating tensions, and diminishing trust among nations.

Guterres emphasized the urgency of addressing the climate crisis, stressing that G20 nations, responsible for 80% of global emissions, must take decisive action. He urged developed G20 countries to fulfill commitments to developing nations, meet the USD 100 billion goal, double adaptation finance, and support climate initiatives such as the Green Climate Fund. Additionally, he called for a renewed focus on climate justice, pushing for just and equitable transitions to green economies. The UN chief also advocated for early coal phase-outs by OECD countries by 2030 and by others by 2040, with the aim of reaching net-zero emissions by 2040 for developed nations and 2050 for emerging economies. Lastly, he underscored the pressing need for reform within the multilateral system to better reflect the realities of the modern world, acknowledging the urgency of this endeavor.