G20 Leaders’ declaration deplores Russia’s attacks on Ukraine

By Benedict Mayaki - Bali, Indonesia

Leaders of the Group of 20 (G20) major economies made a declaration on Wednesday in which they deplored in the strongest terms the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, and demanded Russia's complete and unconditional withdrawal from the territory of Ukraine.

The leaders said that “most members strongly condemned the war in Ukraine and stressed it is causing immense human suffering and exacerbating existing fragilities in the global economy." However, they also noted that there were “other views and different assessments of the situation and sanctions".

In fact, the declaration noted, the war has created the adverse effects of “constraining growth, increasing inflation, disrupting supply chains, heightening energy and food insecurity, and elevating financial stability risks.”

The G20 leaders stressed that international law must be upheld and noted that “the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible”.

Food and energy security, climate change…

The 52-paragraph long declaration also touched on many other important themes.

It called for promoting flexibility in macro-economy policy responses and cooperation and said that action should be taken to promote food and energy security, and to support the stability of markets. The leaders also stated their commitment to the adoption of innovative practices and technologies that enhance productivity and sustainability in harmony with nature.

As regards the climate and energy crises, the document underlined the urgency to transform and diversify energy systems and advance energy security and resilience. The leaders also reaffirmed their commitments in pursuit of the implementation of the Paris Agreement and its temperature goal.

Post-covid recovery, migrants, education.

In promoting efforts toward a healthy and sustainable recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, the declaration stressed the importance of the “strengthening of national health systems by putting people at the center of preparedness and equipping them to respond effectively.”

The declaration also stated its support for the full inclusion of migrants, including migrant workers, [and] refugees in our recovery efforts, ensuring full respect for their human rights and fundamental freedoms regardless of their migration status."

“Access to education is a human right and a pivotal tool for inclusive and sustainable economic recovery,” the declaration also noted, insisting also on putting gender equality and women’s empowerment at the core of efforts for an inclusive recovery and sustainable development.

Indonesia hands over G20 presidency

Meanwhile, Indonesia has completed its G20 presidency and president Joko Widodo declared the intergovernmental summit concluded on Wednesday.

Widodo also handed over the G20 presidency to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the ceremony.

The Indonesian president appealed to G20 leaders to support the Indian presidency and he expressed confidence that the summit will continue to do well with India at the helm of affairs.