Anthony Albanese has used his latest speech at the G20 summit to urge countries to come together amid a “critical moment” for the world.
Speaking on the second day of the meeting in New Delhi, the Prime Minister called for economic cooperation from world leaders so that countries can become more resilient.
His speech came after world leaders laid wreaths earlier on Sunday at Rajgaht, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Indian leader and civil rights hero’s death.
Amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Albanese said it is more important than ever for countries to maintain rules-based order.
Anthony Albanese (pictured with Narendra Modi) has used his latest speech at the G20 summit to urge countries to come together amid a ‘critical moment’ for the world
“Colleagues, we are at a critical moment. People all over the world are doing it tough. “Growth is slow and inflation is persistent, and risks to sovereign debt are high,” he said at the summit on Sunday.
“Now is the time for us to come together, to preserve the open and inclusive system that has served us well, and the rules, norms and robust institutions that underpin a prosperous global economy.”
The address to the G20 comes after leaders agreed to a consensus statement on the summit’s outcomes, which included rejecting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The countries agreed on the conflict in Ukraine that all states “must refrain from threats” and that “the current era should not be a war.”
Before the start of the summit, there were concerns that it would be the first time that the G20 would not make a consensus statement because Russia was unwilling to condemn its own military action in Ukraine.
The Prime Minister welcomed the leaders’ statement, saying the G20 had issued the strongest condemnation of the Russian invasion.
“The G20 has reached a strong consensus on Russia’s war against Ukraine, that message is very strong language and the strongest language that the international community has yet to agree on,” he told reporters on Saturday evening.
“The backdrop to this G20 was the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the impact it has on the global economy and food security, as well as, of course, the devastating impact of this war on the people of Ukraine.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (center) joins world leaders in paying respects at the Mahatma Gandhi monument at Raj Ghat, on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi
However, the statement made concessions in that “there were different views and assessments of the situation.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin did not attend this year’s G20, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov taking his place.
In the summit speech, the Prime Minister said Australia was united with Ukraine in the conflict and said Russia had exacted a “horrific human toll”.
‘Peace and stability are neither a gift nor a given. It must be built, defended and maintained,” he said in the speech.
“Without peace and stability, prosperity and development will remain elusive for too many people around the world.”
The leaders’ statement also noted global support for measures needed to reduce the cost of living and encourage the tripling of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
Mr Albanese also highlighted in his speech the need for solutions to climate change, and the need for a transition to net-zero emissions.
The Prime Minister met with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the summit on Saturday.
Indian security personnel stand guard outside the Mahatma Gandhi Monument before leaders’ arrival at Raj Ghat on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi
The pair discussed regional climate change security in the Pacific and efforts to finalize a free trade deal with the European Union.
He also held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is hosting this year’s summit.
The pair, who had met in India and Australia earlier this year, discussed the comprehensive economic cooperation agreement between the two countries.
Mr Albanese had held informal talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about an Australia-EU free trade deal, with both discussing the need to finalize the deal as quickly as possible.
He also held formal bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, along with informal talks with US President Joe Biden.
The G20 presidency will then be handed over to Brazil, which will host next year’s leaders’ meeting in Rio de Janeiro.
Mahatma Ghandi pictured with his two granddaughters Ava and Manu at Birla House in New Delhi