Global leaders mull joint governance ahead of G20 summit

World leaders examined at the weekend frameworks for global governance ahead of a G20 summit in Seoul, with UN chief Ban Ki-Moon stressing no single power could tackle key issues alone.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying told the World Policy Conference (WPC) in Marrakech: "We see eye to eye on the challenges," and added that "we need to find a better way to cooperate, to find a partnership."

The forum was also addressed by Ban, European Central Bank president Jean-Claude Trichet, EU commissioner Joaquin Almunia, government ministers and business and social leaders.
    
With the G20 meeting on November 11-12 set to be dominated by currency disputes and the threat of protectionist measures, the WPC theme of global governance in finance, the economy and politics was a timely issue.
    
"No country or group, no matter how powerful, can take on the major issues of the day alone," Ban said in his address.
    
Ban underscored three poles of focus, help for the poor and vulnerable, the fight against climate catastrophes, and "new-generation" issues like migration, health research and the fight against organised crime and terrorism.
    
Leaders needed to strive in particular "for a world economy that works for all people not just a fortunate minority," the UN chief said.
    
Almunia said the 27-member European Union had to strengthen its cohesion to contribute to global leadership but also allow emerging countries a greater voice in institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF).