Why global institutions such as the G20 are still our best hope for solving the world’s greatest challenges

By His Excellency Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, UAE Minister of State and UAE Sherpa for the G20  

Out of every global crisis emerges the need for countries to recommit to multilateralism, recognizing that few nations can prosper alone when challenges threaten the wellbeing of all. This year, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group of 20 (G20) has epitomized this commitment.

As one of the world’s most prominent economic fora, the G20 now stands as a symbol of global resilience and cooperation. Having risen to prominence out of the 2007-08 global recession, the G20 has proved to be the most effective platform to address the significant economic difficulties brought on by the pandemic and enable an extraordinary recovery ahead of us.

Already, the G20 has served as a symbol of hope and reassurance in this time of great uncertainty. During the Extraordinary Leaders' Summit on COVID-19 held on 26 March, G20 members committed to taking all necessary measures to fight the pandemic while protecting jobs, preserving financial stability, minimizing trade disruptions, and enhancing global health cooperation. While the impulse of some countries was to enact protectionist measures to safeguard the public, the G20 has remained steadfast and served as a reminder to the international community that a coordinated response built upon information sharing and common economic and financial guidance would ultimately benefit all.

Invited to this year’s events in its capacity as Chair of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the UAE came to the G20 Summit with a firm commitment to support and promote multilateral engagement. A key element of the UAE’s approach was to use its own voice at the Forum to elevate the voices of others, notably small and underrepresented countries. This strategy was a natural extension of the UAE’s foreign policy, which has always been to support our partners around the world, to ensure that various perspectives are heard when it comes to global challenges which affect us all.

Even through the most dire times of the pandemic, the UAE worked to ensure supply chains are open regardless of political differences or geographic proximity, from Iran to China, from Italy to Colombia, and from Kenya to beyond. Along with these efforts, the UAE distributed over 1,613 tonnes of medical and food assistance to 120 countries since the start of the pandemic, benefiting 1.6 million medical professionals around the world.

These links will be invaluable as we near the release of a successful COVID-19 vaccine. The UAE is prepared to play a major role in ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of the vaccine once available. The principle of “leave no one behind” has been the backbone of the G20’s efforts to develop a cohesive response to COVID-19. Now, more than ever, solidarity with those in need has proven essential, and unilateralism has become the relic of a bygone age.

With globalization as the dominant force in today’s international system, those that attempt to act alone may quickly find that they fall behind. As a young nation approaching 50 years since its foundation, the UAE has placed open exchange and global interaction at the heart of its developmental approach.

None of the UAE’s recent accomplishments - the upcoming hosting of the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, the signing of the Abraham Accords with Israel and the US, the establishment of the region’s first peaceful nuclear power plant at Barakah, or the first Arab exploratory mission to Mars – could be realized without our international partnerships and our recognition of the rich expertise and knowledge that other countries can share with us.

We must remember that the pandemic is only one challenge ahead of us. Climate change, economic inequality, food insecurity, and regional instability remain formidable global issues. For this reason, the UAE stands ready to champion the spirit of the G20 as we continue to express our strong commitment to openness and belief in the value of multilateralism.

The final Leaders’ Declaration has left us with a powerful message to guide our work ahead: “We, the G20 Leaders, stand united in our conviction that coordinated global action, solidarity, and multilateral cooperation are more necessary today than ever to overcome the current challenges and realize opportunities of the 21^st century for all by empowering people, safeguarding the planet, and shaping new frontiers.”