THE Group of 20 (G20) Summit in New Delhi, India, concluded Sunday with the adoption of a joint declaration that showcased basic solidarity and a neutral stance on the Ukraine crisis.

The world is undergoing a difficult period of complex and volatile development, and as the difficulties intensify, there is an increasing need to strengthen confidence and enhance expectations for the future, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said at the third session of the G20 Summit on Sunday.

Li stressed the need to establish more practical cooperation mechanisms, take concrete actions, and support developing countries in better addressing development challenges such as poverty reduction, fundraising, climate change, food and energy security.

He also stressed the need to practice true multilateralism, build global development partnerships, and create a safe and stable international environment for common development.

Leaders at the meeting said that the G20 should demonstrate responsibility, promote international cooperation, foster inclusive, sustainable and people-centered development, and ensure that the application of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence enhances human well-being.

The summit adopted G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration.

G20 leaders said they would act in concrete ways through partnerships to accelerate strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth.

Unlike the previous year’s declaration, this year’s joint statement did not explicitly criticize or condemn any country regarding the Ukraine crisis. Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, told Global Times that this indicates a basic consensus among the G20 members. Moreover, it demonstrates the increasing influence of developing nations and non-Western economies within this multilateral mechanism. Preserving neutrality as a joint stance of the G20 prevents Western narratives and positions from fully controlling or hijacking the mechanism.

The joint declaration pledged to incorporate the perspectives of developing countries into future G20 agendas and amplify the voice of developing countries in global decision-making. The G20 welcomed the African Union (AU) as a permanent member, recognizing its significant contribution to tackling global challenges. The leaders reiterated their strong support for Africa and their commitment to strengthening ties with and supporting the AU.

The G20 leaders also pledged to accelerate the full and effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The G20, established in 1999, serves as a pivotal forum for international cooperation on financial and economic matters. It comprises 19 countries, the European Union, and now the AU, which officially joined the group Saturday.

(Xinhua, Global Times)