between traditional Western powers and the burgeoning economies of the Global South.
The G20, an intergovernmental forum of major economies, brings together a diverse range of leaders, from French President Emmanuel Macron to Argentine President Javier Milei. The Rio summit will focus on critical issues including global hunger, digital currency regulation, and climate change.
This year’s gathering takes place against the backdrop of Donald Trump’s recent re-election as U.S. president, which signals potential disruptions to international cooperation. During his campaign, Trump pledged to withdraw the U.S. from global institutions and impose higher tariffs on foreign goods, adding urgency to the discussions in Rio.
John Kirton, head of the G20 Research Group, noted the significance of the forum in preparing for a second Trump administration. “The G20 remains essential for powerful leaders to collaborate directly, especially as global challenges intensify,” Kirton said.
Focus on Informal Diplomacy
Trudeau’s agenda at the summit includes informal talks with other leaders and participation in key events. On Sunday, he will attend a side event hosted by Global Citizen, an anti-poverty organization. His office has yet to confirm which leaders he will formally meet during the summit.
A potential meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum could mark their first in-person discussion since she took office. With the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement under review in 2026, climate change and trade relations will likely dominate their agenda. Trudeau expressed optimism about Canada’s partnership with Mexico, despite concerns over Chinese investments in the region.
Trudeau is also expected to engage with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, known as Lula, who is hosting the summit. The two leaders share priorities on climate action, economic equality for Indigenous Peoples, and combating poverty and hunger. “It’s rare to see such alignment between the host nation’s priorities and Canada’s,” said Kirton. Lula’s focus on artificial intelligence, a topic Canada championed during its 2018 G7 presidency, adds another layer of alignment.
Calls for Global Governance Reform
One key theme of the summit is reforming global institutions. Emerging economies like Brazil argue that the current structures, designed in the post-World War II era, fail to adequately represent their interests. Caribbean nations and other developing regions echo these concerns, citing financial systems that impose crippling debt payments while neglecting infrastructure needs to combat climate change.
Vina Nadjibulla, research vice-president for the Asia Pacific Foundation, emphasized the need for Canada to build stronger ties with middle powers like Brazil. “Canada should leverage shared priorities like democracy and free trade while advocating for reforms that address the needs of the Global South,” she said.
Russia and Global Conflicts Loom Large
Russia’s role at the summit remains contentious. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is representing Russia instead of President Vladimir Putin, who faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for war crimes in Ukraine. The invasion of Ukraine and other global conflicts, such as the Israel-Hamas war, are likely to be discussed, though it remains unclear how prominently these issues will feature in the summit’s joint statement.
Despite divisions, Trudeau and other leaders aim to find common ground to address pressing global challenges. “This is a critical moment for Canada to demonstrate leadership and foster international cooperation,” Nadjibulla noted.
As the G20 unfolds, Trudeau’s diplomatic engagements will be closely watched for signs of Canada’s evolving role on the global stage.