G20 calls for global action, cooperation

 

KABUL (Pajhwok): G20 leaders have endorsed their declaration at the end of their summit, including agreements on measures to protect lives and shape a better future for the people.

“We, the G20 Leaders, meeting for the second time under the Saudi Presidency, stand united in our conviction that coordinated global action, solidarity and multilateral cooperation are more necessary today than ever to overcome the current challenges,” the forum said.

In a declaration on Sunday, the group stressed coordinated global action, solidarity and multilateral cooperation to realise opportunities of the 21st century for all by empowering people, safeguarding the planet and shaping new frontiers.

It went on to call for a recovery and a better future by adopting policies to ensure connectivity and equal access to technology and opportunities for all, focusing on women, youth and the most vulnerable.

“We are taking immediate and exceptional measures to address the COVID-19 pandemic and its intertwined health, social and economic impacts, including through the implementation of unprecedented fiscal, monetary and financial stability actions (…) We recognize the role of extensive immunization as a global public good.”

The group commended the Saudi Presidency for initiating discussions on the need for long-term solutions to address gaps in global pandemic preparedness and response, including its proposal towards establishing access to pandemic tools.

“This crisis continues to have disproportionate economic and social impact on the most vulnerable segments of society, reinforcing the need to enhance access to opportunities for all.

“We will continue our efforts to reduce inequalities, reaffirming our previous commitments to promote inclusive growth. We endorse the G20 Menu of Policy Options to Enhance Access to Opportunities for All that can be leveraged to support the immediate response to the COVID-19 pandemic and move towards a strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive recovery.”

The statement called for protecting the planet and shared natural resources to have a cleaner more sustainable future:

“Preventing environmental degradation, conserving, sustainably using and restoring biodiversity, preserving our oceans, promoting clean air and clean water, responding to natural disasters and extreme weather events, and tackling climate change are among the most pressing challenges of our time.

“As we recover from the pandemic, we are committed to safeguarding our planet and building a more environmentally sustainable and inclusive future for all people.”

G20 leaders thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting a successful summit and its contribution to the G20 process. They endorsed the Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) Platform, with its 4Rs framework (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Remove).

They affirmed their commitment to leading the world in shaping a strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive post COVID-19 era, and the G20 leaders are committed to implementing the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) including its extension through June 2021.

The leaders valued efforts to safeguard people’s health through the postponement of major public events.

“As a symbol of humanity’s resilience and global unity in overcoming COVID-19, we commend Japan’s determination to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 next year.

“We further commend the United Arab Emirates’ resolve to host World Expo 2020 next year. We look forward to the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022.”

They endorsed the G20 Guidelines for Inclusive Community Development through Tourism and encourage the use of the AlUla Framework for Inclusive Community Development.

The G20 leaders also endorsed the G20 Riyadh Statement to Enhance Implementation of Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems.

More than 170 meetings were held, by G20 minsters of finance, trade and investment, health, education, energy, climate, anti-corruption, agriculture, environment, employment, tourism, digital economy, water, and foreign affairs over the course of the Saudi G20 Presidency to culminate in the Leaders’ Declaration.

In addition, civil society and business groups were represented by the eight engagement groups: Business 20, Youth 20, Labour 20, Think 20, Civil 20, Women 20, Science 20, and Urban 20. They concluded their agenda by holding 8 summits and issuing 8 final statements respectively bringing civil society and private sector views to the policy-making table.

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