COVID biggest challenge after WW-II: Modi at G-20
   Date :22-Nov-2020

Modi at G 20_1  
 
 
NEW DELHI/RIYADH :
 
India offers IT prowess for efficient functioning of G-20 n PM suggests creation of a virtual G-20 Secretariat
 
THE COVID-19 pandemic is the biggest challenge the world is facing since World War-II and is an important turning point in the history of humanity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the G-20 summit on Saturday, as he offered India’s IT prowess for efficient functioning of the grouping. Modi also said that “Work from Anywhere” is a new normal in the post-COVID world and suggested creation of a virtual G-20 Secretariat. The Prime Minister also suggested developing a new global index for the post-corona world that comprises four key elements -- creation of a vast talent pool, ensuring that technology reaches all segments of society, transparency in systems of governance and dealing with Mother Earth with a spirit of trusteeship. Based on this, the G-20 can lay the foundation of a new world, he said.
 
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman opened the Group of 20 summit as the coronavirus pandemic overshadows this year’s gathering of heads of state that is being held in the virtual format. India is scheduled to host the G-20 summit in 2022. “Had a very fruitful discussion with G-20 leaders. Coordinated efforts by the largest economies of the world will surely lead to faster recovery from this pandemic. Thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting the Virtual Summit,” Prime Minister Modi tweeted.
 
“Transparency in our processes helps in inspiring our societies to fight crisis collectively and with confidence. Spirit of trusteeship towards planet Earth will inspire us for a healthy and holistic lifestyle,” he said. Modi offered India’s IT prowess to further develop digital facilities for efficient functioning of the G-20. The Prime Minister termed the COVID-19 pandemic as an important turning point in history of humanity and the biggest challenge the world is facing since World War II, a Ministry of External Affairs statement said. “We have a duty to rise to the challenge together and give a strong message of hope and reassurance,” King Salman said in his opening remarks.
 
The kingdom, which assumed the G-20 presidency this year, is the host of the virtual summit that is bringing together leaders from world’s richest and most developed economies, such as the US, China, India, Turkey, France, the UK and Brazil, among others. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump were among other leaders who shared the platform.