Highlights of G20 summit

Leaders came together in Bali to talk about the collective effort to rebuild the global economy as the world continues to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic. But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine overshadowed the two-day summit. Here are our takeaways from the event.

Monday, Nov 14 18:30 (JST)

Stage set for US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping

Officials are gathering at a hotel in Bali for a summit between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping. It will be the first in-person meeting between the pair since Biden became president in January 2021.


Monday, Nov 14 19:00 (JST)

'Recover Together, Recover Stronger'

The world continues to emerge from the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic, a crisis that has taken a devastating toll on health and business alike.

As a reflection of the collective effort to rebuild the global economy, G20 president Indonesia has made the theme of this week's summit, "Recover Together, Recover Stronger."

However, Russia's invasion of Ukraine threatens to undermine that sense of solidarity.


Monday, Nov 14 20:20 (JST)

Joe Biden, Xi Jinping meet ahead of G20 summit

Biden and Xi shook hands as they met at a luxury hotel on Nusa Dua bay in Bali.

In his opening remarks, Biden said he is “committed to keeping lines of communications open” with China.

"As the leaders of our two nations, we share responsibility, in my view, to show that China and the United States can manage our differences, prevent competition from ... turning into conflict, and to find ways to work together on urgent global issues that require our mutual cooperation."

In response, Xi said the sides “need to chart the right course for the China-US relationship. We need to find the right direction for the bilateral relationship going forward and elevate the relationship. The world expects that China and the United States will properly handle the relationship."


Tuesday, Nov 15 08:50 (JST)

The fight against COVID-19 continues at G20 venue

Big tents have been set up on a tennis court in front of the media center. This is where journalists go to get coronavirus antigen tests. Without a negative result, reporters cannot enter the media center. The result comes back in 5 minutes after medical staff insert a swab deep into your nose.

The outcome is registered in the press ID card. The test result is effective only for 24 hours. If you want to enter the center again the next day, you have to go through the same procedure.

There is also a PCR test facility. Its outcome is effective for 3 days, but it takes 30 minutes for the result to come back.


Tuesday, Nov 15 09:00 (JST)

First day of G20 summit to get underway

Leaders of the Group of 20 nations are set to meet on Tuesday in Bali, Indonesia, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and food and energy security two items high on the agenda. The summit will take place without Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio will use the two-day gathering to convey the country's position on these and other issues.

It's the first meeting of G20 leaders since Russia invaded Ukraine in February.

We'll be updating this page throughout the days with reports, video and photos.


Tuesday, Nov 15 09:20 (JST)

Prayers for success of G20 summit

Balinese Hinduism, a distinct form of Hindu worship practiced by the majority of people in Bali, places great importance on custom.

One daily ritual involves making an offering of "canang," a woven basket fashioned from coconut leaves and filled with flowers, accompanied by an assortment of gifts for the Gods.

Balinese people present canang at least twice a day as part of a prayer for balance and peace. These colorful offerings can be seen all around the venue of G20 summit.


Tuesday, Nov 15 09:50 (JST)

World leaders arriving at venue

Indonesian President Joko Widodo is greeting world leaders arriving for the first day of the G20 summit.

Tuesday morning’s working session will focus on issues like food and energy security.


Tuesday, Nov 15 10:10 (JST)

Russia's leader skipping G20 meeting

Russian President Vladimir Putin is noticeably absent from this year's G20 guest list. The Kremlin has said his duties back home are keeping him from traveling abroad.

Footage released by Russia's government shows him on a routine video call, just as world leaders were arriving in Bali.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is attending in his stead. He'll face tough talk from the United States and its allies about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.


Tuesday, Nov 15 10:40 (JST)

Indonesia: No G20 group photo planned

An Indonesian government official has confirmed there are no plans for a traditional "family photo" of the Group of 20 delegates.

It's believed the decision to cancel the photo shoot is related to deepening divisions between Western nations and Russia over the conflict in Ukraine.


Tuesday, Nov 15 11:05 (JST)

G20 summit kicks off

Leaders of the Group of 20 nations have started their two-day summit in Bali, Indonesia.

Global issues like the rising cost of food and energy, recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and technological innovation top their agenda.

US President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio are among the leaders attending.

Russian President Vladimir Putin opted to send his foreign minister to represent Moscow, with his country's invasion of Ukraine expected to loom large over the meeting.

The US and its allies blame Russian aggression for fueling inflation around the world, while the Kremlin has accused Western countries of triggering a global economic crisis through sanctions.

Meanwhile, China and India, as well the chair of this year's summit, Indonesia, have continued to distance themselves from the conflict, neither condemning nor supporting either side.

All eyes are on whether the leaders can reach some kind of consensus – or depart from Bali more divided than ever.


Tuesday, Nov 15 11:20 (JST)

Zelenskyy welcomes US-China statement on nuclear weapons

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has praised remarks made by the leaders of the US and China on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

In an official statement published by the White House, President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping "reiterated their agreement that a nuclear war should never be fought and can never be won and underscored their opposition to the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine."

In a video address, Zelenskyy suggested the joint statement is an important message to Russia, saying "Everyone understands to whom these words are addressed."


Tuesday, Nov 15 11:30 (JST)

Cambodian PM tests positive for COVID-19, cancels G20 visit

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has scrapped plans to attend meetings in Bali after confirming on Facebook he had contracted COVID-19.

Cambodia is not a member of the G20, but Sen was invited to take part as a guest after serving as chair of this year's Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

ASEAN held its own summit in Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, over the weekend, with the leaders of the US and Japan in attendance.


Tuesday, Nov 15 11:40 (JST)

Japan's top govt. spokesperson: US-China stability 'extremely important'

On Tuesday, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu was asked by reporters for his government's reaction to Monday's meeting between the leaders of the US and China.

He refused to weigh-in, but said stability between the two countries is extremely important for the international community.

He said the US is a close partner, and "Japan will continue to promote various forms of cooperation, while urging China to fulfill its responsibilities as a major power."


Tuesday, Nov 15 12:10 (JST)

Morning session under way

G20 leaders have sat down for their first session of their two-day summit. The focus of today's talks is on the broad issue of global food and energy security, with the effects of the ongoing war in Ukraine taking center stage.

Before heading in, European Council President Charles Michel said the best way to end the global crisis over food and fuel was for Russia to end its invasion.

A senior US official also told reporters that President Joe Biden will push for the G20 to issue a joint statement opposing Russia's actions.

It's unlikely there will be G20 "consensus" toward condemning Moscow, given that Russia is among the group's members. But the US and European leaders will likely try convincing so-far neutral powers, like India and China, to take a tougher stance.


Tuesday, Nov 15 12:30 (JST)

G20 chair opens summit with call for leaders to come together, avoid another "cold war"

This year's G20 chairperson, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, has opened the talks with some blunt words about the growing rift between some of the countries taking part in the talks.

He told gathered leaders that they cannot allow the world to fall into another cold war.

Without directly referring to Ukraine, Widodo also called for "the war" to end, saying the world cannot "move on" until it does.

He also called on G20 leaders, whose countries represent around 80 percent of the world's GDP, to "deliver concrete outcomes to support global economic recovery."


Tuesday, Nov 15 12:35 (JST)

NHK at the summit

Top diplomats and heads of state are not the only ones who've converged on Bali from all corners of the globe.

Journalists from around the world are at the scene, and NHK is there to bring you the latest from this summit.


Tuesday, Nov 15 12:50 (JST)

Watch: Praying for good weather over Bali

With world leaders deeply divided over Ukraine, things could get stormy inside the G20 summit. But some practitioners of Indonesia's traditional faith are praying for clear skies -- outside.

Rara Istiani Wulandari is a "pawang hujan," or rain shaman. Tuesday morning, she conducted a ritual to ensure good weather for the two-day meeting in Bali. She asked for the rains to stay away until after it wraps-up.


Tuesday, Nov 15 14:30 (JST)

Zelenskyy calls on world leaders to help end war

In a speech delivered via video link, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly told the gathering that he is "convinced now is the time" to end Russia's invasion of his country under a peace plan that he has proposed. He also urged world leaders to provide Ukraine with effective security assurances.

The EU Ambassador to Indonesia, Vincent Piket, tweeted that the speech was "impassioned yet detailed."


Tuesday, Nov 15 15:40 (JST)

Kishida's G20 attendance part of a busy week of diplomacy

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is about half-way through a summit-heavy tour of southeast Asia.

He arrived in Bali for the G20 meeting on Monday. While there, he's expected to join the US and other partners in uniting against Russia, as its invasion of Ukraine drags on.

Over the weekend, he attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations conference in Phnom Penh.

While in Cambodia, he sat down for trilateral talks with the presidents of the US and South Korea. Their conversation focused heavily on how to maintain pressure on North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Next, Kishida is scheduled to head to Bangkok, Thailand, for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

On Thursday, Kishida is scheduled to hold face-to-face talks with Chinese president Xi Jinping. It will be the first meeting of its kind between the leaders of Japan and China in about three years. It also comes on the heels of US President Joe Biden's meeting with Xi on Monday.


Tuesday, Nov 15 15:45 (JST)

IMF chief urges G20 heads to reject trade protectionism

The head of the International Monetary Fund has implored G20 leaders to resist the creeping tide of trade protectionism, and urged them instead to "allow trade to do its job."

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the fragmentation of the world economy into geopolitical blocs would significantly hurt growth.

She said removing barriers for food and fertilizers, among other things, could alleviate the suffering of hundreds of millions of people.


Tuesday, Nov 15 15:50 (JST)

No group photo, as host nation tries to keep the peace

NHK World's Yoshioka Takuma is in Bali. He described what appears to be a careful effort by the host nation to ensure political tensions don't dominate the headlines at the expense of other matters.

"On the surface, things are business as usual. Just like always, the president of the host nation welcomed leaders with a big smile. But reporters here soon found something unusual. Nowhere on the schedule was the group photo session. It's a safe bet that this arrangement has to do with what's happening in Ukraine.

"When the G20 foreign ministers met in July, all of the G7 countries skipped the welcome reception in protest against Russia. So it's highly likely that the host nation didn't want to show off just how deep the divisions between the West and Russia have become.

"Russian media reports that Moscow will continue to push the idea that the G20 should be about the global economy, not politics.

"The G20 nations make up more than 80 percent of global GDP. It's not just about Russia or China or the rest of the G7. It's meant to give a voice to emerging economies like Indonesia, India, Saudi Arabia and Brazil who have not imposed their own sanctions against Russia."


Tuesday, Nov 15 16:18 (JST)

Xi projects aura of comfort and strength

NHK World's Beijing correspondent Nakamura Genta has been following developments at the summit.

He notes that Chinese President Xi Jinping was smiling and looking relaxed as the US-China talks got underway.

"It looked like he wanted this to be an opportunity to fix the relationship" between the two world powers. "But we didn't see breakthroughs on the big issues. Xi was direct with Biden, and said he wouldn't give an inch on Taiwan."

This is Xi's first overseas trip since he consolidated his power at home by securing an unprecedented third term as leader at the Communist Party congress.

The summit provides him an ideal opportunity to show the strength of his leadership to the world.


Tuesday, Nov 15 16:20 (JST)

G20 talks resume after lunch break, focus on health

Leaders of G20 nations have reconvened after a short break.

The afternoon session is expected to focus on global health, with recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic a key priority for the summit.

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio will speak. He's expected to call on other world leaders to help build a more robust and cooperative defence against future pandemics, and to help make equitable health care available for all peoples around the world.


Tuesday, Nov 15 16:30 (JST)

Watch: What do the locals want?

The G20 leaders are grappling with a range of thorny subjects -- food and energy security, post-pandemic economic recovery efforts, and climate change among them. NHK World's Yoshioka Takuma ventured out onto the streets of Bali and the capital Jakarta to find out what issues matter most to Indonesians, and ask them what they're hoping to see from the people who run the world's most advanced economies.


Tuesday, Nov 15 16:55 (JST)

Why Xi Jinping and Joe Biden's pre-G20 meeting matters

Just after they arrived in Bali, the leaders of China and the US sat down for talks. NHK World’s Yoshioka Takuma has more on what they discussed, and how the meeting has set the stage for the G20 summit.


Tuesday, Nov 15 17:00 (JST)

Reuters: Draft G20 declaration condemns war in Ukraine

Reuters is reporting that a draft declaration by G20 leaders strongly condemns the war in Ukraine. The 16-page document, which has yet to be adopted, blames the conflict for exacerbating weaknesses in the global economy. It reportedly says: "Recognizing that the G20 is not the forum to resolve security issues, we acknowledge that security issues can have significant consequences for the global economy."


Tuesday, Nov 15 17:20 (JST)

FIFA Chief calls for World Cup ceasefire

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has told G20 leaders that soccer can provide a "unique platform" for peace.

He's called on Russia and Ukraine to enter a temporary ceasefire during the World Cup in Qatar. The competition, which happens every four years, kicks off Sunday, Nov. 20, with the final match scheduled for Dec. 18.


Tuesday, Nov 15 18:00 (JST)

Macron, Xi agree on urgency of de-escalation in Ukraine

The leaders of France and China have held talks on the sidelines of the G20 summit. Emmanuel Macron and Xi Jinping are reported to have discussed a range of subjects, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Elysee Palace released a statement that said the two presidents declared their support for the territorial sovereignty of Ukraine, their strong opposition to the use of nuclear weapons, and their desire for an urgent de-escalation of the conflict.

The leaders also said they'll move ahead with the implementation of a common debt treatment framework, which is designed to support the financing of the world's most vulnerable economies, such as Zambia.


Tuesday, Nov 15 18:20 (JST)

Xi criticizes weaponization of food and energy security

A statement from China's foreign ministry says Xi Jinping has urged the world to reject any attempt to use food and energy as political "tools and weapons." The statement says the Chinese President told the G20 summit on Tuesday that "unilateral sanctions must be removed, and restrictions on relevant scientific and technological cooperation must be lifted," an unambiguous reference to the punitive measures used by the US and other nations against Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine.

Xi also reportedly said, "Drawing ideological lines or promoting group politics and bloc confrontation will only divide the world, and hinder global development and human progress."


Tuesday, Nov 15 18:40 (JST)

Countries clash over Ukraine situation

Diplomatic sources have told NHK that the summit's morning session on food and energy security turned into a tense exchange between Russia's delegate and a handful of Western leaders as they traded accusations over the conflict in Ukraine.

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reportedly took aim at the West over the hefty sanctions it has imposed on Moscow following the Ukraine invasion. His remarks drew a swift rebuke from French President Emmanuel Macron, with other leaders quick to back him up.


Tuesday, Nov 15 19:30 (JST)

Lavrov denies report of health problem

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has dismissed a news report that he was taken to hospital with a heart condition on Monday after arriving on the island of Bali for the G20 summit.

In a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, Lavrov claimed the report was fake news concocted by Western media.

He said he had spent the day preparing for the gathering.

A Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson has posted a video of Lavrov sitting outdoors in shorts and a T-shirt, reading documents, apparently in good health.


Tuesday, Nov 15 19:40 (JST)

Russia's FM: West trying to 'politicize' G20 declaration

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused Western nations of trying to "politicize" a joint declaration at the G20 summit in Bali.

Lavrov also lashed out at the punitive measures imposed by Western countries on Russia, blaming them for making energy more expensive and less secure in developing countries.

The draft declaration by G20 leaders, obtained by NHK on Tuesday, says most members strongly condemn the war in Ukraine.


Tuesday, Nov 15 19:45 (JST)

Draft declaration: Most G20 members strongly condemn war in Ukraine

Leaders of the G20 nations are working on a draft resolution on Tuesday, with most members willing to support a statement that strongly condemns the war in Ukraine, according to a copy obtained by NHK.

The draft, which has not been adopted, also acknowledges that there is a diversity of opinions among the group with the line: "There were other views and different assessments of the situation and sanctions."

The summit on the Indonesian island of Bali is the first meeting of G20 leaders since Russia invaded Ukraine in February.

The war, which Russia has described as a "special military operation," has overshadowed the meeting, despite calls by the host nation to focus on global economic problems such as inflation, and food and energy security.


Tuesday, Nov 15 19:50 (JST)

Lavrov talks up Russia-China ties

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was at pains to emphasize the friendship between his country and China on Tuesday when he met with his counterpart Wang Yi in Bali.

Lavrov noted that it was their tenth meeting this year, and added that the Chinese and Russian presidents also get together on a regular basis.

The minister is attending the summit in place of President Putin. He's been on the receiving end of some pointed words from Western leaders at the gathering, and appears eager to dispel the perception that Russia is growing more diplomatically isolated.


Tuesday, Nov 15 20:00 (JST)

Watch: G20 leaders mingle at lunch


Tuesday, Nov 15 20:15 (JST)

British PM highlights 'international condemnation' of Russia

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said there was "international condemnation of Russia's war in Ukraine" at the G20 summit on Tuesday morning, adding that leaders "highlighted the illegality and the barbaric nature of Russia's war and also the devastating impact that it is having on people around the world through higher food and energy prices."

Sunak said that "G20 allies" have a responsibility to fix the global economy, and to safeguard and preserve the international order.


Tuesday, Nov 15 21:40 (JST)

Dinner closes out first day at G20

Leaders of the G20 are now attending a dinner, which brings an end to the first day of proceedings at the G20 summit in Bali.


Tuesday, Nov 15 23:00 (JST)

Press gallery pampered and primed

The hordes of reporters who've descended on the Indonesian island are enjoying a very comfortable stay indeed. The media center where they're camped out even features a mini-spa where they can soothe themselves with a refreshing soak. That's if they can find the time in their jam-packed schedule.


Wednesday, Nov 16 00:00 (JST)

Japan's PM Kishida to meet Chinese leader

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio discussed food and energy security with other G20 leaders at the summit on Tuesday, and will attend the second day of talks on Wednesday.

On Thursday, he will head to Bangkok, Thailand, for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

Kishida is scheduled to hold face-to-face talks there with Chinese President Xi Jinping. It will be the first meeting between the leaders of Japan and China in about three years. It also comes on the heels of US President Joe Biden's meeting with Xi on Monday.


Wednesday, Nov 16 08:00 (JST)

Russia's FM leaves Bali

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov departed from Bali on Tuesday after attending the G20 summit in Indonesia.

Western nations and Russia traded accusations over the cause of the rising costs of food and energy during a Tuesday morning session focused on the issue.

Lavrov reportedly criticized economic sanctions placed by the West to the immediate objection of French President Emmanuel Macron. Other countries followed suit.


Wednesday, Nov 16 08:40 (JST)

Joe Biden offers his Polish counterpart 'full US support' for investigation

The White House says President Joe Biden spoke with Polish President Andrzej Duda on the phone after a blast that killed two people near the border with Ukraine and offered Poland assistance in its investigation.

The Polish foreign ministry announced, in a statement, that a Russian-made missile fell in eastern Poland.


Wednesday, Nov 16 08:45 (JST)

European Council President: Leaders will discuss Poland blast

Charles Michel, the president of the European Council says EU leaders gathered at the G20 meeting in Bali will discuss news of a deadly explosion in Poland.

French President Emmanuel Macron's office also said the meeting of G20 leaders on Wednesday will be important to raise awareness of the war in Ukraine.


Wednesday, Nov 16 09:15 (JST)

Japan-Britain meeting suspended

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has postponed planned talks with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak, which was scheduled for Wednesday morning, after news of a deadly explosion in Poland.


Wednesday, Nov 16 09:40 (JST)

Japan govt. looking into reports of deadly blast in Poland

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has told reporters that his government is still confirming details about the deadly explosion in Poland overnight. He spoke Wednesday morning, while leaving his hotel in Bali.

Separately, a Japanese official has told NHK the government is analyzing the situation and says Japan is working closely with other countries, including other members of the the Group of Seven.


Wednesday, Nov 16 09:55 (JST)

Leaders to hold emergency roundtable after Poland blasts

A Japanese official has told NHK that members of the G7 and NATO will hold an emergency meeting shortly.


Wednesday, Nov 16 10:25 (JST)

G7, NATO emergency roundtable underway

A Japanese official has told NHK that heads of the Group of Seven nations are holding an emergency meeting, along with the leaders of the European Union and two NATO member countries, Spain and the Netherlands.

They're expected to discuss reports that Russian-made missiles killed two people, after landing in Poland near the border with Ukraine.

The G7 countries include Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, and Italy. All the group's leaders are currently in Bali for the G20 summit.


Wednesday, Nov 16 10:30 (JST)

Tree planting event for G20 leaders postponed

Developments in Poland have prompted G20 organizers to delay side events, including an environment-themed start to the second day of the summit.

World leaders were scheduled to attend a mangrove tree planting Wednesday morning. Indonesia, the G20 host country, has championed mangrove development as a carbon capture strategy for coastal areas.

Organizers told reporters the planting will be delayed by about an hour.


Wednesday, Nov 16 11:15 (JST)

France, UK leaders tweet solidarity with Poland

The leaders of France and Britain have tweeted in support of Poland as it investigates the deadly explosion near its border with Ukraine.


Wednesday, Nov 16 11:40 (JST)

Blast in Poland shakes Bali summit

NHK World's Yoshioka Takuma, who is covering the G20 summit in Bali, says the atmosphere has drastically changed after news of the deadly blast in Poland.

"The leaders were scheduled to tour mangroves early this morning, but the event was delayed, and eventually only a few attended," he says.

"Indonesia's President Joko Widodo has said the meeting is supposed to be an economic forum and not a political one. But it appears to have been overshadowed by the war in Ukraine. The Russian invasion dominated the agenda on the first day in Bali. And the attention is continuing on Wednesday."


Wednesday, Nov 16 11:55 (JST)

Biden: 'Unlikely' missile that struck Poland was fired from Russia

US President Joe Biden says preliminary information suggests it's unlikely a missile that killed two people in Poland was fired from Russia. He cited the missile's "lines of trajectory," but added the investigation is ongoing.

Biden spoke with reporters after hosting an emergency meeting with G7 and NATO leaders at the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali.


Wednesday, Nov 16 13:25 (JST)

Watch: Indonesia’s diplomatic balancing act

The war in Ukraine and its impact on the global economy has dominated talks at the G20 summit.

Since starting in February, the invasion has widened the rift between Russia and much of the G20. But the disparity is not so clear cut. Many emerging economies in the so-called "Global South" are choosing a middle path -- and they include this year's G20 host, Indonesia.

In this report, NHK World focuses on Indonesia's long history of navigating between global power tensions.


Wednesday, Nov 16 14:10 (JST)

For Jakarta, being non-aligned makes sense

What does Indonesia hope to gain from its non-aligned foreign policy?

An expert from the country's largest English-language newspaper explains why Jakarta has to play a balancing act.


Wednesday, Nov 16 14:15 (JST)

Leaders attend delayed mangrove planting event

A trip to Bali's Tahura Mangrove Forest for some G20 leaders has gone ahead, despite a delay caused by events in Europe.

Indonesian President, and G20 chair, Joko Widodo, greeted Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, US President Joe Biden and others, following Wednesday morning's emergency G7 meeting to discuss the deadly blast in Poland.

Leaders then toured the forest and planted mangrove trees. Indonesia has called on the G20 and other countries to develop "Blue Carbon Ecosystems." It says the preservation of mangrove forests and other coastal ecosystems can play a major role in carbon capture programs.


Wednesday, Nov 16 14:30 (JST)

Watch: A big hand for local staff

At all G20 venues, local people are pitching in to assist participants and media from around the world. We say "terima kasih" -- thank you in Indonesian -- for their hospitality.


Wednesday, Nov 16 14:33 (JST)

G7, NATO leaders offer full support to Poland's investigation

The leaders of the G7 countries, the European Union, Spain and the Netherlands have offered help for investigators looking into a deadly blast in a village near Poland's border with Ukraine.

Early reports suggest it was caused by a Russian-made missile, though Polish officials say they don't yet know the culprit, and US President Joe Biden says it's unlikely it came from Russia.

The joint statement also condemns "barbaric missile attacks that Russia perpetrated on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure on Tuesday," but does not suggest any link to the explosion in Poland.


Wednesday, Nov 16 14:40 (JST)

Turkish news conference after Poland missile strike

Media crews waited up to an hour for a news conference by the president of Turkey. Recep Tayyip Erdogan is the first leader of a G20 and NATO country to speak following the deadly missile blast in Poland. Turkey has been a key mediator in efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.


Wednesday, Nov 16 14:50 (JST)

Summit on home stretch

G20 leaders have begun the final session of their two-day summit in Bali.

Wednesday afternoon's meeting is expected to address the challenges and opportunities of digitalization.

Indonesian President and G20 Chair Joko Widodo opened with a plea for countries to "stop the war" in Ukraine, amid fresh concerns over the blast in Poland.


Wednesday, Nov 16 15:50 (JST)

AP reports Ukrainian missile appears to have caused deadly blast in Poland

G20 leaders are in final session of their two-day summit in Bali and have yet to react to new details emerging about a deadly blast in Poland.

The Associated Press, citing three US officials not authorized to speak publicly, reports that preliminary information suggests the missile that killed two people near the Polish-Ukrainian border appears to have been fired by Ukrainian forces.

The report has not been independently verified by NHK, but comes after US President Joe Biden earlier said the missile did not appear to have been launched from Russia.


Wednesday, Nov 16 16:00 (JST)

Watch: Indonesia's first lady hosts cultural event

Indonesian First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo hosted an event for spouses of G20 leaders on Tuesday, introducing them to Indonesian arts and culture.


Wednesday, Nov 16 16:15 (JST)

US President departs Bali

US President Joe Biden left Bali after attending the G20 summit.


Wednesday, Nov 16 16:30 (JST)

G20 leaders' declaration approved, Ukraine conflict tops list of issues

The G20 leaders' joint declaration has been adopted as the summit wraps up on Wednesday.

It includes a condemnation of Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the economic impact the conflict has had on the global economy. However, the document also acknowledges while most G20 members vocally oppose Russia's actions, some hold what it calls "other views and different assessments of the situation and sanctions."

The declaration also calls for international cooperation toward economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as toward addressing growing challenges around food security caused by conflict and climate change.


Wednesday, Nov 16 16:40 (JST)

G20 Indonesia 2022 concludes, India to assume presidency

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has handed over presidency of the Group of 20 to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India will officially assume the presidency on Dec. 1, 2022. The next summit will be held in New Delhi.


Wednesday, Nov 16 17:00 (JST)

Turkey's president defends Russia over Poland blast

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters he respects Russia's statements about the deadly explosion in Poland. He says he believes Moscow had nothing to do with it.

Speaking on the closing day of the G20 summit, Erdogan said the incident needed to be investigated, and promised to call Russian President Vladimir Putin upon returning to Turkey.

Erdogan also vowed to work with Putin to extend a UN-brokered deal freeing the export of Ukrainian grain shipments through the Black Sea.


Wednesday, Nov 16 17:29 (JST)

Watch: European Commission President says bloc stands with Ukraine

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has echoed a joint message issued following an emergency meeting of G7 and NATO leaders held in Bali on Wednesday.

She reaffirmed the EU's support for Ukraine after a series of missile strikes on Tuesday, and said the bloc is following developments around the deadly blast in Poland.


Wednesday, Nov 16 17:45 (JST)

As summit ends, Indonesia president to hold news conference

After wrapping up the two-day summit of the G20, host nation President Joko Widodo is due to hold a news conference shortly.


Wednesday, Nov 16 17:55 (JST)

Electric vehicles help drive G20

Electric vehicles sent a message of sustainability at the G20 summit. The Indonesian government says it rolled out 962 electric cars to help ferry participants and staff between venues. The move comes amid rising concerns over the attainability of global emissions goals.


Wednesday, Nov 16 18:30 (JST)

Japanese PM hails summit declaration

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio told reporters at the close of the G20 summit that he appreciates the leaders’declaration, which says, "Most members strongly condemned the war in Ukraine." He also said Japan pushed for inclusion of the phrase, "The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible."

Kishida indicated his determination to lead the G7 as chair for the 2023 summit. The meeting will be held in the Japanese city of Hiroshima, where the first nuclear bomb was dropped in 1945.


Wednesday, Nov 16 18:53 (JST)

China's foreign ministry: Japan, China will handle differences

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Wednesday that China and Japan will "properly handle differences" and build a bilateral relationship in accordance with the new era.

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is scheduled to hold face-to-face talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday in Bangkok. It will be the first meeting between the leaders of Japan and China in about three years.


Wednesday, Nov 16 19:22 (JST)

Indonesian president: War in Ukraine focus of discussion

Indonesian President and G20 host Joko Widodo said at a news conference on Wednesday that the war in Ukraine received the most attention in discussion among leaders at the two-day summit.

He said that "leaders agreed on the content of the declaration, which was the condemnation of the war in Ukraine." He went on to stress that the Russian invasion was a violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity.