 |
| A Saudi man adjusts his head cover ahead of a meeting of Finance ministers and central bank governors of the G20 nations in the Saudi capital Riyadh, Nov. 18. / AFP-Yonhap |
By Yi Whan-woo
Saudi Arabia discussed the role of the G20, the pandemic, green energy, environmental protection, women's empowerment, opportunities for youth and sports during a week-long campaign to mark the G20 Leaders' Summit last week.
Titled Leaders' Summit Week, the campaign was livestreamed from Nov. 16 to 22 with government officials, business executives and researchers sharing thoughts on the global challenges.
The topics discussed were in accordance with the Middle Eastern kingdom's Vision 2030 economic reform plan and also core objectives of the G20 Leaders' Summit. It was held online from Nov. 21 to 22.
The objectives, according to the G20 official website, range from macroeconomic stability to sustainable development, empowerment of women, enhanced human capital and increased flow of trade and investment.
On Nov. 17, Carlos Duarte, a professor of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, talked about securing a future for the world's coral reefs.
Saudi Aramco Chief Technology Officer Ahmad Al-Khowaiter discussed coping with issues on global energy and climate challenges. A roundtable on Nov. 18 dealt with women's empowerment as "a key enabler for economic recovery."
Another roundtable on Nov. 19 was about giving opportunities for young people to create a better future. It was followed by Saudi Sports Minister Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal's briefing on empowerment through sports.
Two roundtables on the role of the G20 took place on Nov. 20, with the first one focusing on protection of people's lives and the second one on better connecting the world in the COVID-19 era.
On Nov. 21, Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih gave speeches on preparedness and pandemic response. A Nov. 22 discussion was on the circular carbon economy to safeguard the planet.
