For the first time in G20 history, a specific session of Development Ministers was held on June 29th in Matera. The event focused on two priorities, notably Financing Sustainable Development and Territorial Development and Localizing the SDGs. The final Communiqué reaffirmed the G20’s commitment to pursue a strong, inclusive and sustainable post-pandemic recovery in developing countries. This includes the identification of innovative measures for development financing and the support for a local approach in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, thus enhancing the role of intermediate cities.
The issues addressed during the event are deeply connected to the Ministerial event on Humanitarian Assistance that took place on June 30 at the UN Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) in Brindisi, operated by the World Food Programme. The meeting, chaired by Minister Di Maio and WFP Executive Director Beasley, highlighted the role played by logistics in the global response to future humanitarian and health crises. This initiative is linked to both health and food security, given the indirect effects of the pandemic on the food supply capacity of fragile countries. The event ended with a Presidency report, which will be submitted to the G20 Leaders ahead of the October Summit.