G-20 summit opens as leaders urge united response to virus

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The Group of 20 summit has begun with appeals by the world’s most powerful leaders to collectively chart a way forward as the coronavirus pandemic overshadows this year’s gathering, transforming it from in-person meetings to a virtual gathering of speeches and declarations. The pandemic, which has claimed more than 1.37 million lives worldwide, has offered the G-20 an opportunity to prove how such bodies can facilitate international cooperation in crises — but has also underscored their shortcomings. President Donald Trump is among who participated in the closed-door virtual sessions that are taking place Saturday and Sunday. The Saudi monarch urged leaders to “rise to the challenge together".