World leaders to meet virtually to coordinate virus response

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By AYA BATRAWY

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Leaders of the world’s most powerful economies will convene virtually on Thursday to try and coordinate a response to the fast-spreading coronavirus, which has shuttered businesses and forced well over a quarter of the world’s population into home isolation.

The meeting for the Group of 20 nations will be chaired by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. The kingdom, which is presiding over the G20 this year, said it organized the extraordinary meeting to advance global efforts to tackle the pandemic and its economic implications as people lose their incomes amid closures, curfews and lockdowns.

The meeting comes amid criticism that the world’s wealthiest countries have not taken cohesive action to combat the virus or its economic impact on people around the world.

Saudi Arabia has also been criticized for rocking oil markets by ramping up production next month and slashing prices to gain market share after Russia, another major G20 oil producer, refused to extend a production cut agreement that had propped up crude prices.



A worker sprays disinfectant at the pedestrian walkway at Senayan Sports Complex amid coronavirus outbreak, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Thursday, March 26, 2020. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people, but for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)


Read more: https://apnews.com/b1379fde50341508f095381191b9a71c

[DonaldsRump]

1. "criticism that the world's wealthiest countries have not taken cohesive action"

This is so much of the reason this has been a catastrophe worldwide: the lack of countries working together. This is CLEARLY a result of the idiotic "populism"/"nationalism"/"authoritarian" shite that has plagued the world thanks to Putin, Trump, BoJo/Brexit-eers etc.

In the US, we have a double whammy because also we have an idiot in the White House.

[hangaleft]

2. I don't see why tRump would participate

He’s a genius, he’s not gonna listen to what other world leaders* advise or agree upon.

*Other than Putin and Kim Jong-un

[captain queeg]

3. He is not a world leader. He just plays one on TV.

[pazzyanne]

4. +1000 nt

[hangaleft]

6. Very good! And funny!

And pretty distressing when you think about it.

[KewlKat]

5. Maybe we could send Gov Cuomo? He's a leader is this mess currently

[EarthFirst]

9. +1

He’s got my vote!

[Javaman]

7. the best part is. they can mute the orange asshole when he spews. :) nt

[Steelrolled]

8. Maybe I'm just too cynical

But does anyone believe this will do any good? I view it as world leaders trying to look like they are doing something. Their focus should be at home.

[EarthFirst]

10. Potentially there is the ability to shift supplies & personnel as their countries recover...

I see this as as potentially being able to shift medical equipment and personnel from countries which have begun to recover; to areas of the world that are struggling to keep up with the sheer magnitude of the virus.

Of course here in the United States; our government has alienated us from the global community; so we may face a greater challenge receiving assistance from the global community. Let’s hope not...

I’m optimistic that this is what happens.

[Steelrolled]

11. I doubt much sharing of medical supplies

until a country has total recovery, which is likely to be a very long time.

Germany and France have already put bans/limits on some "exports" to other EU counties (so much for the common market). The Europeans leaders criticized closing borders until things got bad, then they began to close borders (so much for open borders).

Ultimately it is everyone for themselves.

[TheFourthMind]

12. Remembering Jamal Khashoggi. n/t