South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa closed the G20 summit in Johannesburg, emphasizing the importance of multilateralism despite a significant U.S. boycott and tensions over the transfer of the presidency. Concurrently, the UN climate summit in Brazil, COP30, reached a fragile agreement amid political divisions, while former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro faces legal challenges following a tampering incident with his ankle monitor. Australia is also advancing a universal childcare plan that may reshape the sector.

G20 Summit Concludes Amid U.S. Boycott
President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded the G20 summit, rejecting a proposal from the United States to hand over the G20 presidency to a junior official. The U.S. boycott stemmed from accusations against South Africa of discrimination against the white-minority Afrikaners, which have been widely discredited. Ramaphosa underscored the gathering's significance in addressing global challenges, stating, "We’ve met in the face of significant challenges and demonstrated our ability to come together." The summit resulted in a declaration focused on climate change and gender equality, although the absence of key leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, cast a shadow over the event.

Bolsonaro's Legal Troubles Intensify
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was arrested after allegedly tampering with his electronic ankle monitor. During a custody hearing, he claimed a substance-induced “psychotic attack” led him to believe the device was bugged. Bolsonaro, who faces a 27-year prison sentence for his role in a coup attempt, denied plans to flee to a foreign embassy. His claims have been met with skepticism, especially after video evidence contradicted his narrative. Bolsonaro's political fortunes have waned, especially after former U.S. President Donald Trump, once his ally, shifted support towards current Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

COP30 Reaches Compromise Amid Political Divisions
At the UN climate summit COP30 in Belém, Brazil, countries reached a contentious agreement but failed to take decisive action to end the fossil fuel era or halt deforestation. UN climate chief Simon Stiell acknowledged the ongoing struggle against climate change, stating, "We are undeniably still in it, and we are fighting back." The summit did produce commitments to increase adaptation funding and recognize Indigenous rights, but key proposals were deferred to future negotiations outside the UN framework. The summit's outcomes were viewed as insufficient to address the escalating climate crisis.

Australia's Push for Universal Childcare
The Australian government is advancing plans for universal childcare, with new laws aimed at collecting data from private operators to inform a national system. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese seeks to enhance childcare services as part of his political legacy. The Department of Education will gain the authority to require private companies to provide sensitive data about costs and services. The initiative is expected to cost at least $10.4 million and aims to create evidence-based reforms in early childhood education. The proposed changes could significantly impact families and the education sector in Australia.

Wrap-up
The recent developments at the G20 summit and COP30 highlight the complexities of international relations and the urgent need for unified action on global challenges. Bolsonaro's legal issues further complicate Brazil's political landscape, while Australia's childcare reforms signal a transformative approach to early education. These events underscore the interconnectedness of political stability, climate action, and social policies across the globe.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team