AMN
The G20 summit has begun in Hamburg amid a shutdown and widespread protests in the city. Chancellor Angela Merkel urged leaders to show unity on issues of climate change, trade and migration.
The two-day Group of 20 summit of the world’s major economic powers began in the northern German port city amid protest from citizens of the city. More than 100,000 protesters took part in demonstrations against the G20, some of which have turned violent.
Despite the street closures, motorcades and skirmishes between protesters and police, it appears some Hamburg residents are just trying to end the week with a full pantry.
Merkel: “We know that time is pressing”
On the first day of the G20 summit in Hamburg, the heads of state and government expect a tight schedule. The initial discussion focused on combating terrorism before the first working session dealt with trade policy and global growth. The cultural highlight is the evening concert of the Philharmonic Staatsorchester in the “Elphi”.
Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel speaks at the G20 meeting.
Solutions are often only possible in the compromise, Chancellor Merkel stressed at the beginning of the summit.
At 10 o’clock it started: Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel greeted the heads of state and government of the G20- member states in the exhibition halls. In the subsequent “meeting” (“retreat”), the topic of combating terrorism was on the agenda.
The larger the load, the stronger the knot
In the early afternoon, the chancellor welcomed the other participants. Afterwards, the family photo was taken with all the actors involved. In her welcoming speech, Merkel pointed out the symbolic significance of the cross-knot logo of the German G20 presidency. The maritime scene came from the place of the meeting. “The bigger the load becomes, the stronger this node,” Merkel said with a view to the pressing challenges of the G20. The motto “Create a networked world” also points to the need for cooperation.
Often only in compromise
The Chancellor thanked the Sherpas for the work they had done in preparing the Summit. She also thanked the many groups from civil society, such as women, youth, science, business and trade unions, for their commitment in the run-up to the Hamburg meeting. In addition, many international organizations of the G20 had helped a lot with good materials, which would be included in the summit discussions as a basis for discussion, said the Chancellor.
Merkel said: “We know that time is pressing, so solutions can often only be found if we are willing to compromise and move towards one another without bending too much.”
G20 is aware of great responsibility
The G20 states represented, among other things, two-thirds of the world’s population, four-fifths of world GDP three-quarters of world trade, the Chancellor underlined. “It’s right for those who are not around to expect us to work properly.”
The trade policy topic of the first session in the afternoon is global growth. The second working session will then focus on sustainable development as well as climate and energy.
In addition to the members, the International Presidencies regularly participate in the G20 meetings at the invitation of the respective presidencies , including the IMF in Hamburg , The World Trade Organization ( WTO ) and the United Nations. As a permanent guest at the G20 summit, Spain participates. The German Presidency has also invited Norway, the Netherlands and Singapore as partner countries to the G20 process. The African Union ( AU ), the Asia-Pacific Economic Community (APEC) and the New Partnership for the Development of Africa (NEPAD) are also participating in the Hamburg Summit.