G20 Sets Plan to Save Education From Pandemic Repercussions

Continuity of education in times of crisis added as a priority to G20 agenda for education | Asharq Al-Awsat
Continuity of education in times of crisis added as a priority to G20 agenda for education | Asharq Al-Awsat
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G20 Sets Plan to Save Education From Pandemic Repercussions

Continuity of education in times of crisis added as a priority to G20 agenda for education | Asharq Al-Awsat
Continuity of education in times of crisis added as a priority to G20 agenda for education | Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Education Minister Dr. Hamad Bin Mohammed Al-Sheikh confirmed that the Kingdom had placed two education-related priorities on its presidency agenda for the G20 summit; early childhood education and internationalization.

When the Covid-19 pandemic emerged, a third priority centered on education continuity in times of crisis was added.

Focus on early childhood education comes to lay a foundation for the development of global competence and 21st-century skills, Al-Sheikh explained.

Speaking on how the coronavirus pandemic had affected education, Al-Sheikh said: “With the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, education was one of the most important sectors affected by the application of distancing measures and closures.”

He noted that the shutdown of education facilities, which peaked in March, pushed systems around the world to resort to delivery alternatives like distance learning to ensure education continuity.

In light of the effects of the pandemic, the Saudi Presidency of the G20 stressed the need to invest repercussions as opportunities to develop solid educational systems capable of absorbing any future shocks.

G20 education ministers, in a final communique, reiterated their commitment to providing fair, equitable, and comprehensive education.

This is underpinned by building on e-learning infrastructure and hybrid learning.

They also agreed on improving access for all to high-quality early education, and the need to include global and cultural dimensions in all stages of basic education.

G20 education ministers, this year, were faced with the serious challenge of navigating the inevitable repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic on global education sectors.

Reviewing a mix of experiences of how countries dealt with the pandemic’s fallout, education experts said that some action plans were more successful than others.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Joghiman, head of the Education and Scientific Research Committee at the Saudi Shura Council, said that the impacts of the pandemic on global education were unforeseen for all countries of the world, including very advanced educational systems.

Speaking on the Kingdom’s experience with education during the pandemic, Joghiman said it was marked by “making the right decision, at the right time.”



Kate, Princess of Wales, to Present Women's Singles Trophy at Wimbledon

Britain’s Kate, Princess of Wales awaits the arrival of France’s President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron in Windsor, England, Tuesday July 8, 2025, on the first day of a three-day state visit to Britain. (Chris Jackson/Pool via AP)
Britain’s Kate, Princess of Wales awaits the arrival of France’s President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron in Windsor, England, Tuesday July 8, 2025, on the first day of a three-day state visit to Britain. (Chris Jackson/Pool via AP)
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Kate, Princess of Wales, to Present Women's Singles Trophy at Wimbledon

Britain’s Kate, Princess of Wales awaits the arrival of France’s President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron in Windsor, England, Tuesday July 8, 2025, on the first day of a three-day state visit to Britain. (Chris Jackson/Pool via AP)
Britain’s Kate, Princess of Wales awaits the arrival of France’s President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron in Windsor, England, Tuesday July 8, 2025, on the first day of a three-day state visit to Britain. (Chris Jackson/Pool via AP)

Kate, the Princess of Wales, is set to present the trophy to the winner of the women's singles final at Wimbledon on Saturday after opting not to attend the match last year while she was recovering from cancer.

The All England Club said Kate, the wife of Prince William, will be back in the Royal Box on Center Court for the match between eighth-seeded Iga Swiatek and No. 13 Amanda Anisimova. She will then take part in the on-court trophy presentation, The AP news reported.

Kate has been the patron of the All England Club since 2016 and has regularly attended the men's and women's finals. However, she was not there when Barbora Krejcikova defeated Jasmine Paolini for the women's title last year.

She did hand the trophy to Carlos Alcaraz after his victory over Novak Djokovic in the men's final, when she made only her second public appearance since announcing she was diagnosed with cancer.

She has been gradually returning to public duties since since announcing last fall that she had completed chemotherapy, and took part in welcoming French President Emmanuel Macron during his state visit to Britain this week.