G-20 SUMMIT: COVID-19 biggest challenge world is facing since war II, says PM Modi


New Delhi/Riyadh: The COVID-19 pandemic is that the most important challenge the human is facing since World War-II and may be a crucial turning point within the history of humanity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the G20 summit on Saturday, as he offered India’s IT prowess for the efficient functioning.

Mr. Modi also said that “work from anywhere” could also be a replacement normal within the post-COVID world and suggested the creation of a virtual G20 secretariat.


The prime minister also suggested developing a replacement global index for the post-corona world that comprises four key elements — the creation of an enormous talent pool, ensuring that technology reaches all segments of society, transparency in systems of governance and handling with a spirit of trusteeship. Supported this, the G20 can lay the inspiration of a replacement world, he said.

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman hold the meeting of G20 summit because the coronavirus pandemic overshadows this year’s gathering of heads of state that’s being held within the virtual format. India is scheduled to host the G20 summit in 2022.

“Had a very fruitful discussion with G20 leaders. Coordinated efforts by the foremost important economies of the earth will surely cause faster recovery from this pandemic. Thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting the Virtual Summit,” Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

“Transparency in our processes helps in inspiring our societies to fight crisis collectively and confidently. Spirit of trusteeship towards planet Earth will inspire us for a healthy and holistic lifestyle,” he said.

Modi offered India’s IT prowess to further develop digital facilities for the efficient functioning of the G20.

The prime minister termed the COVID-19 pandemic as a crucial turning point within the history of humanity and thus the foremost important challenge the world is facing since war II, a Ministry of External Affairs statement said.

Had a very fruitful discussion with G20 leaders. Coordinated efforts by the foremost important economies of the earth will surely cause faster recovery from this pandemic. Thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting the Virtual Summit. #G20RiyadhSummit

Multi-skilling and re-skilling to form a talent pool will enhance dignity and resilience of our workers. Value of latest technologies should be measured by their benefit to humanity. #G20RiyadhSummit

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 21, 2020