RIYADH: The Seventh G20 Parliamentary Speakers Summit commenced in Rome on Thursday. Saudi Arabia’s delegation is led by Shoura Council Speaker Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Asheikh, who said in a statement that the Kingdom performs a leading role — both politically and economically — on the global stage, under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The first session of the summit addressed the international response to the economic and employment challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was led by President of the Spanish Congress of Deputies Meritxell Batet. In the second session, moderated by Speaker of the UK House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the speakers discussed ways to stimulate economic growth and social and environmental sustainability in the post-COVID era. In his statement, Al-Asheikh expressed his hope that the summit will boost the G20’s efforts to improve people’s lives, achieve sustainable development, boost the global economy, realize the hopes and aspirations of all people, and highlight efforts to deal with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.