Rio de Janeiro. The president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, expressed today Sunday that there will be no peace in the cities “if there is no peace in the world,” within the framework of the opening of the “Urban 20” (U20) meeting, a forum for municipalities linked to the Group of 20 (G20), in the city of Rio de Janeiro.
Lula da Silva said in his speech that the construction of a new urban reform will not be possible without the reform of global governance, emphasizing that talking about it also implies repudiating the destruction caused by wars.
The Brazilian president drew particular attention to the destruction in the Gaza Strip, one of the oldest urban settlements in the world, in the Middle East.
“The Gaza Strip, one of humanity’s oldest urban settlements (4000 BC), has seen two-thirds of its territory destroyed by indiscriminate bombing. 80 percent of its health facilities no longer exist. Beneath its rubble lie more of 40 thousand mowed. There will be no peace in the cities if there is no peace in the world,” he said.
The president of Brazil recalled that more than half of the world’s population lives in cities, which generate 80 percent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and that some megalopolises such as New York, Santiago, Paris and Rio de Janeiro produce more wealth than many entire countries.
“The immense wealth generated in megalopolises does not reach the pockets of the workers who live there. The knowledge created often does not reach their children,” he warned.
He said that the three priorities chosen by Brazil’s temporary presidency of the G20 address the challenges that thousands of mayors around the planet face in their daily lives.
Brazil established as priorities the reform of international governance, the fight against hunger and poverty, as well as the sustainable energy transition.
“The fight against inequalities, hunger and poverty is essential for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 11 on inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities,” he said.
According to Lula da Silva, in increasingly unequal societies, where a person lives determines their access to education, health, work and public security.
He said urban planning will also play a crucial role in the ecological transition and in combating climate change, a G20 priority.
He expressed in this sense that cities are responsible for 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions and 75 percent of global energy consumption.
The U20 forum was launched in 2017 to provide a space for cities to engage with the G20.
The U20 focuses on climate change and the link with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN).
In this context, the G20 Summit will take place on November 18 and 19, in Rio de Janeiro.
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#peace #cities #peace #world #Lula #U20
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James: I completely agree with Maria. Another challenge is the rapid pace of urbanization. Many cities are growing at an exponential rate, leading to increased pressure on housing, infrastructure, and resources. This can result in informal settlements, which often lack basic services and can become hotspots for violence and conflict. Urban planners need to anticipate these challenges through proactive policies and community engagement to foster sustainable and peaceful urban development.
Thank you for your request. Here’s an interview with two guests about the information provided in the article:
Interviewer: Welcome to World Today News. Today, we are discussing the importance of peace in urban areas with our two guests: Maria, a political analyst and James, an urban planner. Thank you both for joining us.
Maria: Thank you for having us.
James: My pleasure.
Interviewer: Lula da Silva emphasized that there can be no peace in cities without there being peace in the world. Maria, what is your take on this statement? Do you think urban areas are directly affected by global conflicts?
Maria: Absolutely. When there is conflict, both domestic and international, it often spills over into urban areas. Cities are home to a large percentage of the world’s population, and the destruction of infrastructure, loss of lives, and displacement of people can have long-lasting effects on these communities. Additionally, the refugee crisis is a growing issue, as people flee violence and seek safety in cities that are already struggling with overcrowding and resource scarcity. So, there is a direct correlation between global conflicts and the peace and stability of urban areas.
Interviewer: James, as an urban planner, how do you see the role of sustainable development goals in ensuring peace in cities?
James: Sustainable development goals are crucial in promoting peace in cities. The goal for sustainable cities and communities (Goal 11) emphasizes access to safe and affordable housing, adequate infrastructure, green spaces, and transportation. Implementing these goals can help create more livable and equitable cities, reducing the risk of social unrest and violence. Moreover, the goal for climate action (Goal 13) is essential for mitigating the impacts of climate change, which can exacerbate existing urban problems like flooding, heatwaves, and food shortages. By promoting sustainable practices, we can create cities that are more resilient and less vulnerable to conflict.
Interviewer: What are the challenges that cities face today in achieving peace and sustainable development?
Maria: One significant challenge is the lack of resources and funding. Many cities struggle with limited budgets, making it difficult to implement
