Remarks by President Charles Michel before the G20 summit in New Delhi
President Charles Michel of the European Union (EU) spoke at the start of the G20 summit in New Delhi on September 9, 2023. He called on the G20 to work together to address the challenges facing the world, including the war in Ukraine, climate change, and the global financial system.
Michel began by thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India for hosting the summit and for India's leadership in the G20. He then said that the world is facing a number of serious challenges, including the war in Ukraine, which is causing a humanitarian crisis and disrupting global food and energy markets.
"The Kremlin's war is also unravelling lives far beyond Ukraine, including right here in South Asia," Michel said. "Over 250 million people face acute food insecurity worldwide. And by deliberately attacking Ukrainian ports, the Kremlin is depriving them of the food they desperately need."
Michel called on the G20 to work together to end the war in Ukraine and to help those who have been affected by it. He also called on the G20 to take action to address climate change, which is another major challenge facing the world.
"Floods, droughts and record-high temperatures are a threat to humanity's survival," Michel said. "Climate change spares no one. Global warming will hit each one of us."
Michel said that the EU is committed to reaching climate neutrality by 2050 and that it is working to help other countries achieve their climate goals. He also called on the G20 to support the development of renewable energy and to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure.
Finally, Michel spoke about the need to reform the global financial system. He said that the current system is not inclusive and that it does not work for everyone. He called on the G20 to work together to make the system more equitable and to ensure that it benefits everyone.
"The European Union is a constructive and reliable partner to the international community," Michel said. "We are a strong voice for more multilateralism and more cooperation between nations."
Michel concluded by saying that the G20 is a critical forum for addressing the challenges facing the world. He said that he is confident that the G20 can work together to build a better future for all.
