Climate activists and social advocates gathered today in Kathmandu to protest and present their demands ahead of the 2023 Group of 20 (G20) summit. Similar protests echoed across Asian cities like Manila, Jakarta, Dhaka, Karachi, Lahore, and Colombo.
They demanded debt relief, economic justice, and urgent climate action. Lidy Nacpil, the coordinator of the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD), underlined the G20’s responsibility, urging tangible steps to address the crises faced by the Global South.
In a press release, the activists stated that together, G20 nations wield immense influence, accounting for 75% of global trade and a staggering 85% of the world’s economic output with the power sector alone being responsible for 80% of emissions.
The summit, held in New Delhi on September 9-10, will tackle pressing global issues including climate change, clean energy transition, and poverty. Leaders from 20 member states and delegates from 40 countries will participate in the summit.