G20 Summit delegations should take concrete steps in an effort to produce something that is beneficial to the world by working hard and setting aside differences.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo has encouraged G20 Summit delegations to produce concrete steps as an effort to restore the world.

“Today the eyes of the world are fixed on our meeting. Are we going to score success? Or would add one more failure? For me, the G20 must succeed and must not fail," President Joko Widodo said when opening the G20 Summit on Tuesday at The Apurva Kempinski Hotel, Bali.

The president stated that as the holder of the G20 presidency, Indonesia has made every effort to bridge very deep and wide differences, the Indonesian Cabinet Secretariat quoted President Widodo as saying.

However, the president said, a success would only be achieved if all G20 Summit delegations are committed to working hard and setting aside differences to produce something with concrete steps that are beneficial to the world.

"I really understand, it takes extraordinary efforts so that we can sit together in this room," he said.

On that occasion, the president also underlined various global challenges, ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic, war, to food, energy, and financial crises, that have given impacts to the world, especially developing countries.

"The issue of fertilizer should not be underestimated. If we don't immediately take steps to ensure sufficient availability of fertilizer at an affordable price, then 2023 would be a more dismal year," he said.

The president added, the current high food prices could get worse and could lead to no food supply.

"Scarcity of fertilizer can lead to crop failure in various parts of the world. As many as 48 developing countries with the highest level of food insecurity would face a very serious condition," he added.

The head of state also hopes that the G20 can continue to be a catalyst for inclusive economic recovery.

The president said, in the midst of a very difficult situation, the G20 continues to work to produce concrete achievements, prepare funds to deal with future pandemics through pandemic funds, help low-income countries' fiscal space through resilience and sustainability trust.

He also said that the G20 keeps on accelerating the achievement of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), produce hundreds of concrete collaborations, as well as supporting a greener and more sustainable world economic recovery through the Bali Compact on the energy transition.

"We are not just talking, but taking real steps. Let's show the world that we can be wise, assume responsibility, and show the spirit of leadership. Let's work, and let's work together for the world. Recover together, Recover stronger," he said.

Reporting by Indonesia Window