G20 leaders adopt declaration in New Delhi

World leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, met in New Delhi on 9 & 10 September for the annual G20 summit, discussing issues ranging from climate change and green growth to gender equality and how to counter terrorism.

The Secretary-General arrived in the Indian capital with what he described at a press conference as a “simple but urgent appeal” to G20 leaders: come together to solve humanity’s biggest challenges.

Mr. Guterres told the assembled journalists that global leadership was especially necessary if we are to make progress on climate action and sustainable development.

G20 members agreed by consensus on the declaration’s wording after lengthy negotiations that ran into the summit’s first day. India, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the G20, led the negotiations.

Stéphane Dujarric, Mr. Guterres’ spokesperson, said the declaration’s adoption in an era of global polarization was a tribute to the efforts of India.

“It also reflects India’s role as a leader of the Global South and developing countries,” he said. “This highlights India’s capabilities as a bridge-builder, politically and geographically.”

Mr. Dujarric said the UN particularly welcomed the declaration’s language about accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“We’re especially happy to read about the commitments there, and how we must all re-energize and re-invest in the Goals if we are going to come even close to achieving them by their target date of 2030.”

Meanwhile, the G20 also agreed to admit the African Union (AU) as its newest member.