RIYADH: Global policymakers have met in Riyadh to map out “urgent” plans aimed at tackling the challenges and risks to world economic growth.
The first gathering of the Framework Working Group (FWG) under the G20 Saudi presidency discussed ways to improve access to economic opportunities for all, a key priority of the 2020 summit of world leaders’ agenda.
During the FWG meeting held on Jan. 12 and 13, the head of the Saudi team, Dr. Naif Alghaith, said: “It is an urgent priority to break barriers that prevent people from having access to economic opportunities.
“We are working to identify the current conditions of the global economy, the economic risks and challenges facing our world, and the policy responses to mitigate downside risks.”
The group’s talks were co-chaired by Clare Lombardelli, chief economic adviser to the UK Treasury, and Sanjeev Sanyal, principal economic adviser to India’s Ministry of Finance.
Delegates discussed the current risks facing the global economy and the preparedness for policy co-ordination among the G20 countries.
The meeting also studied possible policy options to enhance access to opportunities for all with a special focus on women, youth and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The get-together followed a G20 symposium on enhancing access to opportunities that was held under the Saudi G20 presidency on Dec. 5 last year in Riyadh.
Participants at the FWG symposium also discussed the role of the public and private sectors in leveraging technology and innovation to create jobs, and opportunities that promote sustainable and inclusive growth.
The G20 FWG was established at the 2009 Pittsburgh summit in the US after world leaders agreed to launch a framework to lay out policies aimed at generating strong, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive global growth.
G20 policymakers meet in Saudi Arabia for world economy talks
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G20 policymakers meet in Saudi Arabia for world economy talks
- They discussed ways to improve access to economic opportunities for all
- Delegates also tackled current risks facing the global economy
Ithra will bring Spain to life for 2-week cultural celebration
- Ithra Cultural Days will unfold across the plaza, museum, theater, lush garden, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit and Ithra tower
DHAHRAN: Visitors to the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) can enjoy a taste of Spanish culture from Jan. 12-31.
Under the banner “Live Spain,” spaces at Ithra will be transformed to give a glimpse of life in this vibrant European country.
Ithra Cultural Days will unfold across the plaza, museum, theater, lush garden, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit and Ithra tower, with exhibitions dedicated to Spanish photography, fashion and sports. There will also be Spanish cuisine and interactive installations exploring historical and linguistic connections between Arab and Spanish traditions.
There will be live performances across various stages, with a production of “Carmen” among the highlights.
“Cultural exchange is a core part of Ithra’s approach to programming. Celebrating Spain’s culture and history reflects this focus, particularly as this year’s Cultural Days take on a distinctive character by exploring Spain’s cultural heritage,” Noura Alzamil, program manager at Ithra, said.
“Visitors to Ithra will experience an exciting program in every sense, given the scale and variety of events designed to appeal to all tastes and interests.”
Cinema showings will feature Spanish short and feature films, accompanied by post-screening discussions to provide additional cultural context, while talks and sessions in the idea lab and library will explore architecture, literature and creative practice.
Hands-on workshops will invite visitors to engage directly with Spanish crafts and creative traditions, from visual arts and design to food-related practices.
A dedicated program for children and youth will run alongside with storytelling, creative workshops and performances among the attractions. Food and market experiences in Ithra’s public spaces will reflect the important social role played in the country by food.
Ithra Cultural Days present international cultures through immersive, public-facing experiences. This year’s focus on Spain follows the success of last year’s Japan edition, which welcomed more than 200,000 visitors in just two weeks.
