Fon Mathuros, Head of Media, Public Engagement, Tel.: +41 (0)79 201 0211, Email: fma@weforum.org
Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, 21 January 2015 – Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu of Turkey called for national ministers to set aside their parochial interests and act in the broader interests of humanity. Speaking in the context of Turkey’s presidency of the G20, he told participants at the World Economic Forum’s 45th Annual Meeting that his country’s priorities are an inclusive approach to global growth, implementation of the decisions taken by the G20, and investment and trade.
“If we tackle the issues with a shared sense of responsibility, we will send a strong message,” he said.
The G20, which represents countries that account for more than 70% of global GDP, provides an unprecedented platform for policy coordination, he said. Over the next 12 months the goal is not only to lay the foundations for more robust growth but also to include the perspective of low-income developing countries, extending cooperation to include food security and nutrition.
On inclusiveness, the Turkish Prime Minister said he hoped to address the growing challenge of youth unemployment and to bring 100 million more women into the global workforce by 2025.
Davutoğlu hinted at past shortcomings in emphasizing the importance his presidency places on the actual implementation of decisions taken by the G20. “Trust and confidence among nations are essential if we are to take our shared agenda forward,” he said.
Investment, especially in infrastructure, is key to improving growth prospects. But growth strategies must take account of the threats posed by climate change. Describing inclusive growth as a priority for the G20, Davutoğlu spoke of the role that SMEs (small to medium enterprises) play in achieving sustainable development and the importance of creating the conditions in which they can flourish. He singled out trade as an area where trust is vital and is negatively affected when new bilateral trade agreements fail to take account of past commitments.
He told participants that Turkey is continuing to play the role of mediator and bridge-builder. “Turkey is well-placed to play this role because of its impressive economic achievements, self-confidence and democratic credentials,” he said.
More than 2,500 participants are taking part at the 45th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, from 21 to 24 January.
The Co-Chairs of the Annual Meeting 2015 are: Hari S. Bhartia, Co-Chairman and Founder, Jubilant Bhartia Group, India; Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director, Oxfam International, United Kingdom; Katherine Garrett-Cox, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, Alliance Trust, United Kingdom; Young Global Leader Alumnus; Jim Yong Kim, President, The World Bank, Washington DC; Eric Schmidt, Executive Chairman, Google, USA; and Roberto Egydio Setubal, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors, Itaú Unibanco, Brazil.
Notes to Editors
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