The G20 adopted a final statement at their conference in Bali in which the overwhelming majority of members condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. Following the summit, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed that the meeting had created understanding that went “far beyond what could be expected, and that will remain the success of this summit.”

Use of nuclear weapons declared unacceptable

Scholz praised the “clear words” that had been found “on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.” He also noted that it had been made clear that the use of nuclear weapons was unacceptable, and that all had drawn this red line “with great vigour”. The Federal Chancellor said he was pleased that Germany’s discussions in the run-up to the summit had helped prepare for this.

The world’s leading industrial and developing nations arrived on the Indonesian island of Bali on Tuesday for this year's G20 Summit, which took place in the shadow of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. “The Russian president stands almost alone in the world thanks to his policies. He has no strong allies,” observed the Federal Chancellor after the conclusion of the G20 Summit.

“Astonishingly clear words”

According to Scholz, countries like India and South Africa had helped the heads of state and government find “astonishingly clear words” in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine. The Federal Chancellor said this showed that there were many around the world who disagreed with the war, even if they had abstained from votes at the United Nations for various reasons. For this reason, he went on, it was essential and pivotal to continue discussing precisely this issue, and to make it clear that Russia’s war of aggression could not be accepted, just as the use of nuclear weapons would not be tolerated.

“This has gradually emerged as a consensus here, which in my view is a great step forward, one we could not have expected at the beginning of this year when we were talking about how this summit could take place in the face of this war,” said the Federal Chancellor. On Tuesday, Scholz had stressed that “It must be clear that a country attacking its neighbour cannot be accepted.”

“This is a terrible incident”

With regard to the explosions and destruction caused in Poland, Federal Chancellor Scholz spoke on the fringe of the G20 summit on Tuesday. He stressed that “This is a terrible incident and a careful investigation is now required to understand how it came about.” Scholz said he had spoken to President Duda and expressed his condolences to the people of Poland, as well as conveying the sympathy of the German people.

Federal Chancellor Scholz condemned Russia’s most recent missile attacks on Ukraine. “We are seeing the destruction of power stations, hits on power transmission lines and the destruction of water supplies. This is not an acceptable way to conduct warfare in what is already an unjustified war,” said Scholz. 

Keeping other responsibilities in view

Even under these circumstances, other responsibilities must be kept in view, such as ensuring world food supplies. Germany has increased its level of funding through the various programmes to 5 billion euros. “This is an important and substantial contribution to dealing with this problem in a concrete way,” said Scholz. The war had exacerbated many issues around the world, with hunger rising particularly sharply.

Climate change was on the agenda for meetings at the summit, along with good and equitable healthcare. Other topics included the economic recovery after the pandemic and the economic challenges due to the war.

Food and energy

The war has caused prices to rise around the world, including in the energy sector. Federal Chancellor Scholz called for global energy security but also stressed that the international community’s climate goals must not be allowed to suffer as a consequence. Decarbonisation must remain the immediate goal. Federal Chancellor Scholz invited those present to participate in the World Climate Club which he set up. Scholz argued that this was the key to keeping to the 1.5° C target, which would also benefit future generations.

Many very significant issues around the future development of the world were also discussed, particularly questions concerning man-made climate change and how we can stop it. The Federal Chancellor said the discussions also covered “how we can find a way to work together better on health issues, such as how to protect ourselves better against the impact of pandemics like COVID-19, but also how to deal with challenges associated with polio, HIV and other issues.”

This G20 Summit sent out a clear signal that the world food crisis must be tackled. “In any case, Ukraine, like Russia, plays a major role in supplying the world with cereals. That is why it was so essential for us to work together on this issue to arrive at our positions,” said the Federal Chancellor. The Federal Government is supporting the ongoing negotiations to continue the grain deal beyond 19 November. During this year's G7 Presidency, the Federal Government again made the global fight against hunger a priority of its work. Germany has increased its aid by another billion euros. This year alone, it has invested five billion euros to fight hunger. Yet the G7’s contribution extends far beyond purely financial support. Through the Alliance for Global Food Security, which Germany set up, there is now a concrete global platform for international cooperation.

Economic recovery is another priority, following COVID-19 and the crisis caused by Russia’s war of aggression which has impacted food and energy security. The Federal Chancellor summed up his experience by reflecting on how “the world has gathered here, speaking to each other and reaching agreements that go far beyond what had been expected – that remains the success of this summit. I am very happy that things have turned out this way.”

On the fringe of the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia and international partners signed the Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP). These are groundbreaking for climate protection, the energy transition and sustainable investments. You can read the press release (“Indonesia and international partners agree groundbreaking climate goals and associated funding”) here.