Global Leaders Convene in Riyadh for World Economic Forum Amid Gaza Crisis.Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (April 28, 2024) – The opening day of a special two-day meeting of the World Economic Forum drew a constellation of economic and political luminaries to the Saudi capital on Sunday. Amid heightened tensions stemming from the ongoing violence in Gaza, the gathering aimed to tackle pressing regional and global issues through dialogue and collective problem-solving.
The imposing halls of the forum’s venue witnessed a parade of dignitaries, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and a host of prime ministers, officials and experts hailing from the Middle East, Europe and beyond. The agenda encompassed a wide array of topics, from the simmering Gaza crisis and pathways to reignite economic growth, to matters of energy policy and global health preparedness.
Palestinian Leader Decries Israeli OffensiveIn a passionate address, President Abbas censured Israel for what he deemed an unrestrained military campaign in Gaza following the October 7th Hamas attack. He issued an impassioned plea to the United States to compel Israel to “hold its fire,” citing the looming prospect of an incursion into Rafah. Abbas’s biting remarks underscored the profound human toll of the escalating hostilities.Divergent Growth and Looming RisksPivoting to economic matters, Saudi Minister of Finance Mohammed al-Jadaan and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva presided over a session examining strategies to revitalize flagging global growth.
Al-Jadaan advocated for “cool-headed” leadership to de-escalate conflicts and create an environment conducive to economic progress.Georgieva struck a sobering tone, highlighting the “weak-by-historic-standards” growth rate and “significant divergence across the world” as formidable obstacles demanding urgent remediation. Her remarks served as a clarion call for coordinated international action to confront the mounting challenges to global financial stability and development.Embracing an “All of the Above” Energy ApproachSaudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman articulated the Kingdom’s progressive stance on energy, emphasizing an openness to viable choices spanning hydrocarbons, nuclear power, and synthetic fuels.
This forward-looking perspective underscored Saudi Arabia’s recognition of the need to cultivate a diverse and sustainable energy portfolio to meet rising demand while mitigating environmental impacts.Commitment to Polio Eradication and Poverty Alleviation In an announcement lauded by health advocates worldwide, Saudi Arabia and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation unveiled a joint campaign dedicated to eradicating polio across 33 Islamic Development Bank member nations. This ambitious public-private partnership aims to protect 370 million children annually and uplift millions from the clutches of poverty, reflecting the Kingdom’s steadfast dedication to advancing global health and human development.
Calls for Improved Pandemic Preparedness
The Director-General of the World Health Organization, while acknowledging gaps in the world’s readiness for future pandemics, sounded an optimistic note regarding capacity-building efforts underpinned by lessons gleaned from the COVID-19 crisis. This forward-looking perspective highlighted the imperative of international collaboration to fortify global health security.
As the sun set on Riyadh, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan delivered a sobering assessment of the “catastrophic” situation in Gaza, excoriating the failure of international security mechanisms to stem the escalating violence. His remarks encapsulated the overarching spirit of the forum – to confront complex challenges through principled dialogue, collective action, and an unwavering commitment to human dignity and progress.
The second and final day of the forum promises further insights from the gathered leadership as they endeavour to chart a course toward sustainable economic growth, lasting peace, and a more equitable world order. As the debates and discussions continue, all eyes remain fixed on Riyadh, where the pursuit of global solutions has taken centre stage.
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