Empowering People in the 21st Century
In December 2019, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia commenced the Presidency of the G20 for the year of 2020. The Summit is one of the most powerful meetings for worldwide decision-makers, since G20 members represent around 80% of the world’s economic output, two-thirds of the global population, and three-quarters of international trade.
In the run-up to the G20 Riyadh Summit, the Saudi Presidency has hosted more than 100 meetings and conferences, including ministerial meetings and meetings of officials and representatives from civil society. This year’s G20 Summit has been even more significant as the world faces an unprecedented global health crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic and required even more efforts from participant countries, as well as from the hosting country.
The Finance track, comprising all G20 finance ministers, central bank governors, and deputy meetings convened several times throughout the year to discuss financial and economic problems due to COVID-19, such as monetary and fiscal policies, infrastructure investment, financial regulation, financial inclusion, and international taxation.
The Sherpa track focused on socio-economic issues such as health, education, trade, women empowerment, employment, anti-corruption, tourism, agriculture and water, energy, climate, and the environment. The G20 Sherpas have been engaged in planning and negotiating the final Leaders’ Declaration and coordinating various discussions on the G20 agenda.
Despite the global crisis, the eight Engagement Groups of G20 maintained their remarkable efforts and commitment to contribute to the world’s better development in the future.
▪ The Business 20 (B20) presented recommendations focused on transformation for inclusive growth.
▪ The Youth 20 (Y20) called upon the G20 countries to take action in three overarching priority areas: future preparedness, youth empowerment, and global citizenship.
▪ The Labor 20 (L20) presented recommendations around COVID-19 recovery with resilience, social protection, and labor market policies.
▪ The Think 20 (T20) submitted recommendations on evidence-based solutions that promote multilateralism, international cooperation, the digital economy, sustainable energy, the impact of COVID-19 on workers, among others.
▪ The Civil 20 (C20), hosting 65 discussion sessions attended by more than 30,000 people from 109 countries worldwide, submitted recommendations on COVID-19 response and recovery, economic and social justice, and the well-being of people and the planet.
▪ The Women 20 (W20) recommendations were oriented around promoting women’s economic development, financial & digital inclusion, employment, and entrepreneurship.
▪ The Science 20 (S20) held a summit under the theme of “Science for Navigating Critical Transitions” and presented their proposals focusing on the future of health, developing a circular economy, and the digital revolution.
▪ The Urban 20 (U20) focused on but not limited to the climate action, social consolidation and integration, and sustainable economic growth towards prosperous communities.
The final G20 Leaders’ Virtual Summit kicked off in Riyadh on November 21, 2020. The Saudi Presidency of the G20 during this challenging year has proven strong and robust commitment to the initial vision and mission of the G20 countries. In 2020, for the first time in the G20 history, a Presidency has held two Leaders’ Summit within one Presidency term (March 2020) to mitigate the healthcare, social, and economic crises due to COVID-19 pandemic.
The Leaders’ Summit has been chaired by The Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and attended by the heads of G20 states, guest countries, and international organizations.
The Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud delivered the G20 Riyadh 
Summit’s opening remarks. In his speech, King Salman welcomed the Leaders to the second Summit of 2020: “This has been an extraordinary year. The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented shock that affected the entire world within a short period of time.”
The King underscored the economic losses and community suffering due to the global pandemic and Leaders’ commitment to overcome this pandemic by mobilizing resources and raising more than $21 billion to support the global economy. G20 has also provided emergency support to the developing countries, including the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative to the low-income countries.
Reflecting on the theme of the G20 Riyadh Summit, “Realizing the opportunities of the 21st centuries for all,” King Salman reasoned: “Although the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to adjust our focus rapidly to face its repercussion, the subject areas under this general theme, namely “Empowering People,” “Safeguarding Planet,” and “Shaping New Frontiers,” remain essential to overcome this global challenge and shape a better future for our people.”
G20 Leaders’ Summit Riyadh concluded on November 22, 2020. The closing remarks of the Summit were delivered by The Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud: “We have succeeded in sending out a message of hope and reassurance to our citizens and all people around the world through the Final Communique of this Leaders’ Summit. And it is my honor to announce that the G20 members have adopted this Communique.”
King Salman expressed his gratitude to partners in Troika, Japan and Italy, who supported the Saudi Presidency to achieve the program of 2020. The King passed the honor and responsibility of the 2021 G20 Presidency to the Republic of Italy wishing them every success: “We stand ready to provide support in any way possible.”
Italian Prime Minister (PM) Giuseppe Conte gave a speech as the holder of the upcoming G20 Presidency in Italy. The PM pledged that his country will prioritize climate, energy, and carbon neutrality. He further added that Italy will support the deployment of clean and efficient technologies during its Presidency.
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the final session of the second day of the G20 Riyadh Summit. The Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in his speech outlined: “This year, the G20 adopted priorities that we worked on together to implement, on top of which is addressing the healthcare, economic, and social impacts of the pandemic. We also took all necessary measures to protect lives and livelihoods and support the most vulnerable groups.”
As the part of the concluding remark, Crown Prince emphasized: “It has been an exceptional challenge but an absolute honor to hold the G20 Presidency during this trying year. We wish we convened this summit in person in our capital, Riyadh, the city that tells the story of a nation proud of its old history, its genuine people, and its prosperous future thanks to its youths’ resolve and determination.”
PHOTO CREDIT: g20.org
