The representatives of the G20 leaders have discussed the coronavirus outbreak and its impact on people and the global economy during the second Sherpa meeting in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, this week.
“This pandemic calls for a robust international response. G20 countries will enhance cooperation and coordination to control the outbreak, protect people, mitigate the economic impact, and maintain economic stability, while avoiding stigmatization,” they said in a statement.
“The protection of human lives is of paramount importance. G20 countries support and work closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) to monitor the outbreak, share relevant information, encourage preventive measures, early case detection, and clinical care,” they said.
The conferees underscored the importance of close cooperation between international organizations, urging them to report regularly to the G20 on their actions and assessment of needs.
“We will step up support for the development of early warning systems, appropriate treatments, and vaccines. Fighting the disease at home is our primary concern,” said the statement.
The Sherpa meeting also pledged to strengthen capacity building and technical assistance between G20 states and to developing countries that have weaker health systems and more vulnerable populations.
In their recent statement, G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors agreed to use all available policy tools, including fiscal and monetary measures as appropriate.
“We invite our finance officials to continue their ongoing work with international organizations to respond to the economic impact of COVID-19,” said the Sherpa statement.
It expressed confidence that “working closely together, we will overcome the COVID-19 outbreak and its implications, safeguard human lives, and protect the global economy.”
