January 29th – The World Economic Forum held an online dialogue meeting on the “Davos Agenda” from the 25th to 29.
In their speeches, leaders of many countries called on the international community to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, safeguard and practice multilateralism, and jointly meet global challenges such as the coronavirus pandemic and economic recession.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in said that when mankind is hit by the coronavirus pandemic without precavenance, it is inevitable to take detours and make mistakes. Now is the time to regain the spirit of multilateralism and tolerance.
The world must strengthen “unity and cooperation”. Korea looks forward to working with other G20 members to implement multilateral cooperation to ensure an open and stable global trade and investment environment and jointly promote a sustainable and inclusive global recovery.
Argentine President Fernández said that in the current international situation, people should reflect on their national development and international cooperation models.
The world should meet current challenges through multilateralism.
German Chancellor Merkel said that “this is an era of multilateralism” and cooperation with developing countries should not be reduced but increased when formulating recovery policies for Germany and even EU countries.
She stressed that in the field of trade, the World Trade Organization is at the core, and the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement is also a “remarkable” outcome.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that at present, the international community is facing many challenges such as the novel coronavirus pandemic, economic recovery and climate change, and international cooperation to address these challenges is very important.
In the long run, countries should work together to strengthen the role of international institutions such as the World Trade Organization and formulate new rules to regulate and promote economic activities.
Last year, 15 countries signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in the context of the pandemic, which is a major collective commitment to trade and economic cooperation.
Japanese Prime Minister Suga stressed that in the context of the coronavirus pandemic, the unity of countries has become more important than before.
Japan will be committed to expanding the “free and fair” economic circle and strengthening the free trade system.
South African President Ramaphosa said that only through multilateral action can the international community effectively address the challenges faced.
The spread of the pandemic highlights the vital role of multilateral institutions in promoting coordination, cooperation and common defeating the virus.
In his speech, United Nations Secretary-General Guterres said that mankind has experienced a whole year of tragedy and crisis, and the current severe test is still going on.
The international community should strive to build a multipolar world with strong multilateral mechanisms and jointly develop the global economy with universal respect for international law.
