Yerica Lai, Nusa Dua, Bali – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo asked Group of 20 leaders to show wisdom and not allow the world to "fall into another cold war" as he opened the G20 Leader's Summit in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Tuesday morning
"We must end the war. If the war does not end, it will be difficult for the world to move forward," he told leaders, without referring directly to the war in Ukraine in his opening speech.
Jokowi went on to call for the bloc's leaders to use their wisdom and carry the responsibility for the "people of the world", while saying that he understood very well that it had taken "tremendous effort" so the leaders of the G20 could sit together.
"Today the eyes of the world are fixed upon our meeting. Are we going to achieve success, or will we add more to our failures? For myself, the G20 has to succeed, and it cannot fail," the President said.
"We should not divide the world into parts. We must not allow the world to fall into another cold war," Jokowi said. "Let us show the world that we can be wise, assume responsibility and show leadership. Let us work, and let's cooperate for the world."
Jokowi was hopeful that the bloc could continue becoming a catalyst for inclusive economic recovery in the midst of a tumultuous year as it is working continuously to create "concrete achievements", including a pandemic fund, assistance for low-income countries through resilience and sustainability trusts and support for energy transition through the Bali COMPACT – which lists principles for achieving net-zero emissions.
"We don't just talk, but take concrete steps," Jokowi said. (dre)