Today is the start of a small marathon of multilateralism, with three meetings in two days. Happily, the G20 and the Counter-ISIS Coalition are able to meet in person once again, for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic. These meetings are urgent, because the challenges they address have not disappeared in the face of the pandemic. ISIS has been pushed back in Iraq and Syria, but not beaten, and in other regions the group is even gaining influence. In Rome, we will make it clear that we will not yield a single inch to the terrorists, including in Africa.

With regard to Syria, I will push for an extension of the UN Security Council’s cross-border resolution so that urgently needed humanitarian assistance can continue to be provided across international borders.

At the G20 meeting, we want to lay the groundwork for the next steps in the worldwide fight against the pandemic. Now is the time to ensure that global health structures are equipped for the coming health crisis. We must revive the world economy. If we act together, and act prudently, we will have the opportunity to invest in the future – by supporting sustainable technologies and strengthening transparent international trade structures. In doing so, we will be protecting the climate and making globalisation fairer.