Brazil will host the the first G20 (Group of Twenty) meeting this year in Sao Paulo, and its leaders pledge to address poverty, hunger and climate change when finance ministers from around the world convene.

Officials with the Jubilee USA Network — who work to make sure the world’s resources go to reducing poverty and providing healthcare and education for those most in need — are watching.

They report that Brazil’s vow to make the reduction of poverty and hunger priorities this year takes place amidst the world’s worst growth projections in the last three decades, spreading armed conflicts and rising debt payments.

“Debt payments in developing countries are equal to what many of these countries spend on health, education, social programs and climate issues combined” said Eric LeCompte, Executive Director of Jubilee USA Network. “Giving developing countries effective tools to cut their debt is essential for progress on any of the priorities the G20 sets for this year.”

Jubilee USA is located in Washington D.C. and is a coalition of approximately 75 national religious and development organizations, and about 400 communities of faith across the country — including the Viatorians.

Read the entire report on the G20 in Brazil, here.