A Look Back at the Riyadh Leaders' Summit

Written by: Emilia James, Deputy Leader

In the midst of the global pandemic, the Saudi Arabian Presidency hosted the annual G20 Leaders’ Summit via video call. With approximately seventy million confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1.5 million deaths around the world, a meeting of world leaders was paramount. Prior to this meeting, in July, President Trump announced that the United States would be withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO), which left the rest of the world in a state of uncertainty going into this summit. The conversation and final communiqué focused primarily on the global pandemic and its effects on the world in terms of health, economy, and climate. Specifically, the communiqué mentioned members’ commitment to the WHO, stating their support of the “overall effectiveness in coordinating and supporting the global response to the pandemic and the central efforts of member states.” The global pandemic has had devastating effects on vulnerable countries, particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs), losing an estimated $200 billion in income, and $100 billion worth of foreign investments. COVID-19 has also brought extensive job loss to developed nations. Thus, the final communiqué included language highlighting ways to build a “resilient and long-lasting recovery” that is inclusive, “tackles inequalities,” and “ensures a sustainable future.”  

“We emphasize the important mandates of the United Nations’ system and agencies, primarily the WHO, while considering the ongoing evaluations, its stated commitment to transparency, and the need to strengthen its overall effectiveness, in coordinating and supporting the global response to the pandemic and the central efforts of Member States.”

The divide between the United States and the EU was a lingering presence throughout the Leaders’ Summit. Between the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, vaccine development, and other covid-related issues, there was a clear tone of discontent between the two members. G20 member states were disappointed by the United States’ lack of participation in the summit, which can be seen in the language of the final communiqué. Examples include language on supporting international efforts from the WHO, WTO, and the goals of the Paris Agreement; all three of which are contentious topics for the U.S. and President Trump. In light of the recent divides within the international system, the communiqué reflects an attempt to remedy relations and encourage cooperation during the recovery process. 

Focusing on inclusive and equitable solutions in tandem with a “long-lasting recovery,” G20 Leaders discussed the importance of responding to the economic crisis that ensued due to COVID-19. Developing nations experienced extensive economic hardship and are now in need of debt relief. Even leading industrial economies are not immune to the economic impacts of the pandemic. As of October 2020, Eurozone nations reached an 8.1% unemployment rate, and the United States reached 6.7% as of November 2020, which is an improvement from a previous alarming rate of 14.7% in April. In addition to these startling unemployment rates, debt to GDP ratios have risen around the world due to the health crisis. For the EU, the debt to GDP ratio increased from 79.4% in the first quarter of 2020 to 87.8% in the second quarter. To respond to the global labor crisis, G20 Leaders committed to a new framework addressing the incurred debt from COVID-19. Under this framework, members continue their commitment to bolster developing and vulnerable economies, while also maintaining the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) through June 2021. By the time of the Leaders’ Summit, 46 countries requested DSSI benefits due to the effects of COVID-19. However, beyond economic solutions, leaders also addressed the roles of international organizations (IOs) amid this crisis, in addition to the tensions that have arisen due to responses to the pandemic. 

One month later, with a persisting pandemic, world leaders continue their efforts to implement the commitments agreed to in the communiqué. The United States and the United Kingdom have approved vaccines for distribution, and G20 nations now look toward the post-pandemic world. The G20 Leaders’ Summit traditionally entails discussions on a variety of economic, environmental, and social issues. However, after nearly a year of combating the global spread of COVID-19, this year’s summit inevitably included an almost exclusive conversation on current health demands and alleviating economic strains. In a time of such uncertainty, a platform for thorough discussions among world leaders on how best to move forward towards a healthier future is most critical. As the presidency is passed from Saudi Arabia to Italy, the need for international cooperation remains. 

“Our ongoing response to the crisis caused by COVID-19 marks a defining moment in our history. Building on the benefits of our interconnectedness, we will address the vulnerabilities revealed by this crisis, take the necessary steps to recover stronger, and work to ensure that future generations are safer than we have been.”