G-20 summit opens as leaders urge united response to virus

G-20 summit opens as leaders urge united response to virus

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) “” The Group of 20 summit began on Saturday with appeals by the world's most powerful leaders to collectively chart a way forward as the coronavirus pandemic overshadows this year's gathering, transforming it from in-person meetings to a virtual gathering of speeches and declarations. The pandemic, which has claimed more than 1.37 million lives worldwide, has offered the G-20 an opportunity to prove how such bodies can facilitate international cooperation in crises “” but has also underscored their shortcomings. ADVERTISEMENT"We have a duty to rise to the challenge together during this summit and give a strong message of hope and reassurance,“ King Salman said in his opening remarks. Saudi Arabia has presided over the G-20 this year and is host of the summit. The pandemic has had far-reaching economic impact on developing countries, but has also plagued the world's wealthiest nations, with nine G-20 countries ranking highest globally for the most cases of COVID-19 recorded. The United States tops the list, followed by India, Brazil, France, Russia, Spain, the U.K., Argentina and Italy, according to a count kept by Johns Hopkins University. Three G-20 leaders participating in the summit have been infected by the coronavirus