G20 Summit Kicks Off on Indonesian Resort Island of Bali

BALI, KOMPAS.com – Indonesia’s President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo officially opened the two-day G20 Summit which gathers leaders from the world’s major economies on the resort island of Bali on Tuesday, Nov. 15.

"Good morning, leaders. Today, I announce the opening of the G20 Summit," Jokowi said during the opening ceremony of the leader’s meeting at the Apurva Kempinski in Nusa Dua.

In his remarks, the president welcomed the G20 leaders and the delegates present at the meeting, whom he had earlier individually extended a welcome.

President Jokowi then immediately drew attention to several issues that are currently occurring in the world. He noted that the G20 Summit should take into consideration those issues, including the fertilizer issue.

The head of state emphasized that the fertilizer issue should not be underestimated. If concrete steps are not taken immediately, then the fertilizer supply and prices will be disrupted. He said that this situation will affect the following year.

Also read: G20 Meeting: Jokowi to Hold Bilateral Meetings with Over a Dozen Leaders

The crisis could escalate into a food supply crisis, as the scarcity and high price of fertilizers could increase food prices in several parts of the world, Jokowi said.

"For 48 developing countries, with the highest level of vulnerability, this will be a very serious condition," he said.

"However, success can only be achieved if all of us without exception are committed to working hard to set aside differences to present something concrete that is beneficial to the world," Jokowi said.

Three countries' leaders -- Russian President Vladimir Putin, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, and Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador -- are absent from the summit.
Indonesia's G20 Presidency raised the three main issues of global health architecture, digital transformation, and sustainable energy transition.

Also read: US Commits to Invest $700 million in Indonesia during Biden’s Visit

The G20 is a multilateral cooperation forum comprising 19 countries and one economic region, the European Union (EU). The group represents more than 60 percent of the world's population, 75 percent of global trade, and 80 percent of the world's gross domestic product (GDP).

The G20 members comprise South Africa, the US, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, India, Indonesia, the UK, Italy, Japan, Germany, Canada, Mexico, South Korea, Russia, France, China, Turkey, and the European Union. Spain is the grouping's permanent guest country.

Source: State News Antara