A year after the baton of C20 transitioned from India to Brazil, the closing summit, held in Rio de Janeiro on November 13, 2024, brought together prominent leaders such as Brazil’s First Lady, Janja Lula da Silva, alongside G20 social representatives, Brazilian government officials, and international delegates. Distinguished attendees included Minister Marcio Macedo, Brazilian G20 Sherpa Mauricio Lyrio, South African Sherpa Zane Dangor, G20 Social General Coordinator Tatiana Beringer, National Secretary Eliane Aquino, and several other ministers from the Brazilian government.
During 2023, our Chancellor Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma), the Chair of C20 India, led the entire C20 leadership, including Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, C20 Troika Member and C20 Sherpa, in supporting 16 working groups that engaged with over 6,000 civil society organizations from 154 countries through 500+ policy deliberations and over 10,000 mass outreach events, highest in the history of C20.Representing India at the current 2024 C20 in Brazil, that also had representatives from South Africa (hosts for G20 in 2025) such as Mr. Masotsha Mnguni (G20 Coordinator), Amrita Dean, Dr. Krishnashree Achuthan emphasized the vital role C20 plays in advocating for adaptive, resilient policies—ones that prepare for future challenges rather than responding after the fact. She shared practical examples from C20 India’s initiatives that were directed by Amma. One such example was the Seed Ball Campaign, in which over 2 million seed balls—each containing seeds, nutrients, and soil—were dispersed across various landscapes in less than six months, embodying a simple and impactful approach to environmental sustainability.
Dr. Krishnashree also highlighted how C20 India had, for the first time in C20 history, brought critical attention to emerging technologies, such as AI, acknowledging both their potential benefits and risks. In addressing the way forward, she emphasized on Amma’s words “In order to ensure the long-term existence and safety of humanity, it will be necessary to embrace certain overarching values and principles and work together as a unified whole. The power of love and compassion are essential solutions to confront threats, dangers, and challenges.” This summarizes C20’s potential to foster meaningful and sustainable change, emphasizing humanity and solidarity as guiding principles for building a resilient and peaceful future.The event concluded with insightful remarks from C20 Brazil Chair, Mr. Henrique Frota, and C20 Brazil Sherpa, Ms. Alessandra Nilo, who reflected on the significance of Amma’s message of “love.” They noted that this was the first time the word “love” had been explicitly shared at a C20 Brasil closing summit, underscoring it as the most fundamental need of society today, the essential guiding principle to overcome hate and prevent wars.C20 Brazil has successfully organized over 62 policy meetings across its 10 working groups. These gatherings drew participation from over 2,500 individuals representing 91 countries, showcasing the widespread commitment to the C20’s mission.
The working groups in Brazil focused on diverse yet interconnected themes: anti-racist economies, health, hunger and poverty, gender equality, education and culture, digitalization and technology, sustainable and resilient communities, and environmental and climate justice.
