Riyadh, October 21, 2020, SPA -- The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud affirmed that the Saudi G20 Presidency has accorded special attention to discussing policies related to women, through engagement groups and various ministerial meetings, and to ensure the participation of women in decision-making by sharing recommendations of the Women 20 Engagement Group (W20) in the G20 meetings. This came in the speech of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, which was delivered on his behalf by the Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi at the conclusion of W20. The speech reads as follows: "Ladies and Gentlemen, Members of the Women 20 Engagement Group (W20), Distinguished Guests, Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you, On behalf of the Leadership and People of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I would like to express my gratitude to the Women 20 Engagement Group for their remarkable efforts and commitment to deliver their agenda during these unprecedented times caused by the COVID -19 pandemic. Esteemed Delegates, Women are the main source of development for any society. Hence, without empowered women, it is almost impossible to implement any societal reforms given that women form half of the societies and they are the ones who raise up generations. Women has proven through history their remarkable role in leading change and in decision making. The theme of the Saudi G20 Presidency this year is Realizing Opportunities of the 21st Century for All with three main aims: Empowering People by creating conditions that enables all humans to live decently, work, and thrive, especially women and youth; Safeguarding the Planet by fostering collective efforts to protect our resources, and Shaping New Frontiers by adopting long-term and bold strategies to utilize and share benefits of innovation and technology. Thus, the Saudi Presidency of the G20 has given special attention to discussing policies related to women across different Ministerial and Working Group meetings. In addition to channeling Women voices in policy making through involving W20 to present their policy recommendations in G20 meetings. --SPA 23:17 LOCAL TIME 20:17 GMT 0022 Full Text of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Speech at W20 2 Riyadh 2020 has been an exceptional year by all standards, as the world faces a dangerous pandemic that threatens lives and livelihoods. In order to contain and fight the spread of this pandemic, many countries have taken precautionary health measures, which impacted economic growth locally and globally. In light of these extraordinary circumstances, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia assumed its responsibility and played a leading role as the current G20 president to build consensus, coordinate international efforts to combat the pandemic, and support the global economy. The G20 Extraordinary Virtual Leaders’ Summit last March was the product of the stated efforts. During the Summit, the leaders agreed on several commitments and decisions that contributed to advancing international cooperation by focusing on: Safeguarding lives and livelihoods Maintaining financial stability Reducing disruptions to global trade Assisting developing countries Coordinating health initiatives and measures That Summit resulted in unprecedented outcomes in the G20 history, which included: Injecting over USD11 trillion to support the global economy in the fight against COVID-19 and its implications. G20 members have pledged over USD21 billion to support the research, development, and distribution of COVID?19 diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines. The G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) for low income and developing countries, which exceeded USD20 billion, has played a significant role in reducing the burden on the budgets of those countries. This Initiative has allowed more than 73 countries to allocate their resources towards strengthening their health sector and supporting the economic sectors that suffered due to the pandemic. Additionally, the commitments made by the leaders during the Summit have significantly impacted the cross-border flow of medicines, food, medical supplies, and other essential goods, which have directly contributed to saving lives and mitigating the negative impacts of the pandemic. --More 23:17 LOCAL TIME 20:17 GMT 0023 Full Text of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Speech at W20 3 Riyadh Through these commitments and decisions, the G20 has demonstrated, under the Saudi Presidency, its ability to lead the international efforts and the joint action to fight the pandemic and serve humanity. Ladies and Gentlemen, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the President of the G20 this year, commends the remarkable work of the Women 20 Engagement Group (W20) and the outcomes of their meetings. And here, it is worth mentioning that women play a crucial role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic globally by working in the frontlines, as women represent more than 70% of healthcare workers. Hence, allow me to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to all the women and men who risk their lives to protect others, and provide essential services during these unprecedented circumstances. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strongly believes that a sound economic recovery to overcome the impacts of the current pandemic cannot be achieved without comprehensive social and economic programs for women that achieve gender equality and create opportunities that enable success. Along with our commitment and focus on overcoming this pandemic, we should not forget our commitment to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to women at the global level. Enhancing the preparedness of our countries for a brighter future requires an inclusive approach that empowers women in the economic, social, health, educational, technological, cultural, entertainment, and sports sectors, among others. --More 23:17 LOCAL TIME 20:17 GMT 0024 Full Text of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Speech at W20 4 Riyadh The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has embarked on an exceptional reform journey, as witnessed by the international community, to empower women and support their participation in national development through this inclusive approach. The Kingdom is proud of the Women 20 Engagement Group’s distinguished efforts across their various tracks, and welcomes their recommendations, in line with the Kingdom’s inclusive approach to empower women. Finally, allow me to reiterate my gratitude to the Women 20 Engagement Group organizations and members and the participating delegates for their exceptional efforts throughout the year. I would also like to sincerely thank Al Nahda society for leading the Women 20 for this year representing the voice of Saudi and international women with devotion and dedication. I wish you a successful summit." --SPA 23:17 LOCAL TIME 20:17 GMT 0025 www.spa.gov.sa/w1433641