G-20 plans to hold virtual summit on Afghan crisis

The G-20 plans to hold a standalone summit soon on the Afghan crisis to debate and explore solutions to issues the war-torn country has been facing after the Taliban wrested power in Kabul.

The virtual meet is expected to focus on inclusive government, terror threat and spread of radicalisation, financial support, minority rights, women's rights and the impending refugee crisis and evacuation.

The G-20 foreign ministers met last week virtually on the sidelines of the UNGA. The ministers gave their view on the issues surrounding Afghanistan, such as safe departures of their nationals and partners from Afghanistan, avoiding a humanitarian crisis, and countering terrorism.


Italy, which is leading the G-20, will later hold an in-person G-20 Summit on October 30-31.

Last week's meeting began with the opening remarks from Italy's foreign minister Luigi Di Maio, followed by remarks from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who called on the international community to come together to address the challenges facing Afghanistan. Participants at the meet underlined the importance of the G20 members aligning and sending a unified message so that the Taliban takes steps in the right direction, ET has learnt.