G20 Meetings: Launch of Values 20 to Support Best Practices, Develop Policies

Logo of Values 20 – an unofficial G20 engagement group
Logo of Values 20 – an unofficial G20 engagement group
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G20 Meetings: Launch of Values 20 to Support Best Practices, Develop Policies

Logo of Values 20 – an unofficial G20 engagement group
Logo of Values 20 – an unofficial G20 engagement group

The Values 20 summit, held on the sidelines of the Saudi G20 meetings, seeks to work on three axes focusing on leadership, improving economic and social results, and raising the quality of life.

Launched in September as a non-official engagement group within the G20, Values 20 will convene in a virtual session this Tuesday to discuss the essential role of values in helping create a better future, in which all people can live, work, and thrive in dignity.

V20 Chair Dimah Al-Sheikh said that the summit would examine the importance of values to improve policies and decision-making processes at a time when the world faces major challenges.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Sheikh noted that environmental issues would represent one of the main challenges identified by Values 20 and its working groups, especially the major environmental threats to the planet. The summit will urge governments, institutions, and citizens to work together to face these challenges.

“The Values statement that will be published during the summit includes policy recommendations that address both policy interventions and innovative ideas for setting social standards and contribute to developing short and long-term interventions at the global level,” she stated.

“We want to help people discover the importance of values, and benefit from these experiences to achieve real change,” Sheikh emphasized.

The V20 has formed three task forces, including Global Values, which addresses how values can contribute to achieving societal and economic objectives; Leadership Values assesses how values can improve organizational outcomes; and Quality of Life Values, which focuses on how to enhance people’s wellbeing.



Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
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Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA

Oman warned on Wednesday against the growing military escalation between Israel and Iran and stepped up its diplomatic efforts to shield the region from the risk of a broader conflict.

Qatar, also intensifying its mediation, said it was working with regional and international partners to end the Israeli-Iranian confrontation. This came as Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a written message from Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.

According to the Qatari state news agency, the letter focused on bilateral relations and ways to enhance them.

On Tuesday, Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs and advisor to the Prime Minister, said Doha was in constant contact with friends and partners in and outside the region to help end the escalating conflict.

“Qatar is engaging all parties to narrow differences and reach a scenario that puts an end to this dangerous escalation,” he said.

Al Ansari added that Qatar was working closely with regional and international actors to revive negotiations and de-escalate tensions to prevent the region from sliding into a potentially devastating war.

He said the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister had spoken with several international officials in recent days, voicing strong condemnation of Israel’s repeated violations and attacks, which he said undermine efforts to achieve peace.

Al Ansari stressed the urgent need for collective regional and global action to reduce tensions and resolve disputes through diplomacy.

In Muscat, the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi held talks with his Arab counterparts and key international partners, including EU foreign policy chief and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas.

According to Omani sources, the discussions focused on tackling rising regional tensions triggered by Israel’s pre-emptive strikes on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent response, part of a broader crisis that has been intensifying since early Friday.

The talks also addressed the need to align international positions, increase political and legal pressure to halt Israeli attacks, and push for comprehensive negotiations aimed at restoring stability and averting further military escalation.

Al Busaidi urged an immediate end to what he called a “tragic war threatening regional security” and called for heightened diplomatic pressure to revive a political solution.