RIO DE JANEIRO: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged G20 countries to reassess global priorities and direct resources towards combating hunger and poverty rather than perpetuating conflicts and inequality.
He said economic inequality has deprived essential resources from countries in the Global South.
He said weak governance and a lack of politics will continue trapping communities in poverty and hunger.
"In order to break this vicious cycle, the root causes contributing to this situation must be addressed.
"Poor governance among nations is one of the main factors.
"This is often linked to corruption, which drains national and marginalises the poor and vulnerable," he said.
Anwar also said misguided policies in wealthy countries act as barriers to the fight against hunger.
He said a significant portion of their spending is allocated to financing weapons and conflicts, while a small fraction of that funding could have a massive impact on combating poverty.
For instance, he said, during Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, the special drawing rights allocation of US$650 billion (RM2.91 trillion) was intended to assist all countries.
However, Anwar said, nearly two-thirds of the allocation was enjoyed by developed nations, leaving a small amount for poorer countries in greater need.
"Such misallocation of resources must stop if we are serious about effectively eradicating hunger and poverty," Anwar said during the first intervention session titled "Fighting Hunger and Poverty" at the G20 Summit here.
Anwar also called for reform of the international financial system inherited from the Bretton Woods institutions.
He described this system as fundamentally benefiting the rich and powerful, while marginalising the poor and disadvantaged.
"While capitalism is healthy, uncontrolled capitalism is the primary cause of extreme wealth inequality," he said.
He suggested that China's experience in eradicating poverty should be used as a reference, taking into account each country's socio-economic needs.
He said Malaysia joined the Global Alliance as a testament to the country's commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda in the fight against hunger and poverty.
The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, which was launched, has more than 80 member countries.
Anwar said this effort is also driven by the Madani economic framework, which focuses on strengthening governance, ensuring fiscal sustainability, increasing women's participation in the economy, advancing digital transformation, and committing to climate action.
As the 2025 Asean chair, he said, Malaysia is also ready to collaborate in efforts to build capacity, enhance resilience, reduce poverty and improve governance in the region.
"The struggle against hunger and poverty directly impacts human development.
"A shared commitment to this goal will lead to a world where hunger and poverty are eradicated, and all people can thrive," he said.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva launched an initiative at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, describing hunger as "a biological expression of social injustice."
Malaysia is one of 17 guest countries at the G20, alongside Chile, Qatar, Egypt, Singapore, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.