G20 is a platform for 20 countries across the globe that helps in resolving financial and economic issues faced by these nations through global governance. This power group forms more than 80% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 75% of the international trade. The key feature of G20 is the annual leaders’ summit held that conducts a central forum.
After the last year’s summit in Osaka, Japan the presidency of G20 has been taken by Saudi Arabia. The G20 summit will be conducted in Riyadh on November 21-22, 2020. This paradigm shift has made Saudi Arabia the first Arab nation to host the G20 summit.
After the global backlash over its human rights record, the kingdom has implemented many reforms like lifting the ban over women drivers and promoting equal rights for them. A lot of credit has been given to the crown prince Mohammed Bin Salam for the same. He called this G20 summit a ‘unique opportunity’ to form international accord.
The Saudi Arabia Press Agency (SPA) however claims that this opportunity is faced by a ‘central paradox’ as the sovereignty saw a strong crackdown on dissent, unlawful arrests of journalists, female activists and political dissidents. The killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi was a terrifying turn of event in this trail.
At this stage, the right groups are pleading the G20 member states to exert pressure on Saudi Arabia for imparting freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.