G20 Radio Bulletin 139 - European Union Commissioner speaks about the urgency to fight inequalities

The Finnish Jutta Urpilainen, European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships, speaks about the Bloc's commitments to sustainable development proposals and support for the initiative of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to eradicate hunger and poverty in the world. Listen to the interview and learn more.

Reporter: In an exclusive interview with G20 Brasil, the European Union Commissioner, Jutta Urpilainen, shared her perspectives on the role of the European Union in fighting global inequalities and supporting the initiatives of the Brazilian presidency of the G20, such as the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, which she considers a "light of hope" in a world impacted by crises. With a trajectory marked by the defense of social justice and education, the Finnish Commissioner highlights the importance of international partnership to achieve the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Reporter: One of the goals of the Brazilian presidency of the G20 is to build partnerships to reduce global poverty and support sustainable development. How is the European Union working in this direction, and what are the main commitments made within the G20 for the coming years?

Jutta Urpilainen: As far as the European Union is concerned, fighting inequalities and eradicating poverty and hunger are at the heart of our international partnerships. We are very committed to the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda. In cooperation with the development and international partnerships, we support our partners in the Global South, including Brasil and Latin America, in eradicating poverty through education.13% of the European Union's external funding goes to education, an excellent example of our commitment to eradicating poverty.

Reporter: How does the European Union see the Brazilian presidency's proposal and the members' support to build a Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty? 

Jutta Urpilainen: I think it's a very interesting initiative, and we will support it. We definitely need more political commitment to fight poverty and hunger. This new initiative by President Lula is bringing a light of hope to the world, urging political leaders to really commit to fighting poverty and hunger.

We want to support food autonomy so that African countries do not depend so much on importation and can produce food in Africa for Africa. Therefore, we are very focused on sustainable agricultural production, agricultural systems, and value chains. 

Reporter: How do you evaluate the conduction of the G20 in Brasil?

Jutta Urpilainen: My honest opinion is that it's been a very successful presidency so far. I think a good example is that we were able to adopt political statements at the Ministerial Meeting on Development held in July in Rio de Janeiro.