(HAMBURG) – Leaders of the non U.S. G20 members confirmed Saturday that the Paris Agreement is irreversible and endorsed the G20 Hamburg climate and energy action plan for growth.
European Council President Donald Tusk and Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker joined the other G20 leaders in making clear that the rest of the world would ‘take note’ of President Donald Trump’s withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement, but not be deterred.
The theme of this year’s summit was ‘shaping an interconnected world’. The leaders adopted a declaration focusing on sharing the benefits of globalisation; building resilience; improving sustainable livelihood; and assuming responsibility.
They also adopted an action plan to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation and tackle foreign terrorist fighters.
On the migration and refugee crisis, leaders agreed to step up coordination and act against people smugglers and traffickers. Addressing the root causes of migration and supporting countries of origin and transit are also priorities for the leaders.
Leaders stressed the need to better help people seize the opportunities and benefits of economic globalisation. They also discussed how to continue building an open and resilient financial system.
Leaders committed to increase international tax cooperation and financial transparency, as well as to address the issue of excess steel capacity.
Africa’s development remained a high priority for the G20. Leaders launched the G20 Africa partnership to boost growth and jobs in the continent. This includes the G20 initiative for rural youth employment which will contribute to creating 1.1 million new jobs by 2022.
Leaders stressed the importance of harnessing digitalisation to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth. Promoting digital literacy and skills is essential to better prepare people for the future of work.
Leaders also agreed to take further action to achieve gender equality. They stressed the role of digitalisation and ICT to support women’s empowerment.
In addition, leaders emphasised the value of international health cooperation, in particular to better combat antimicrobial resistance.
The G20 brings together 19 countries plus the EU. G20 members account for over 80% of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) and they host almost two-thirds of the world’s population.
The next, 13th, meeting of the G20 is due to be hosted by Argentina in 2018.
G20 Leaders ´ Declaration: Shaping an interconnected world
G20 action plan on climate and energy for growth