UN chief urges G20 to remember the poor

SEOUL - The Group of 20 (G20) leading economies should not forget about the world’s poorest nations when they meet for a summit in Seoul this week, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Wednesday.

The head of the UN is traditionally invited to G20s along with other international figures such as the head of the World Bank, in part to compensate for the absence of poorer nations at such gatherings.

“I will do my best to ensure that the leaders of the world’s biggest and strongest economies build solutions for the poorest and the most vulnerable people around the world in their plans,” Ban, who is South Korean, said of his presence in Seoul.

However, G20 talks about food security and development were likely to be overshadowed by a currency row and discussions on how to reduce trade imbalances between the world’s leading powers.

Asked to comment on such problems, Ban said: “I am concerned that there is some divergence of opinions among the G20 over these issues, but I believe that still it is absolutely necessary that G20 leaders are united and coordinate their policies. This is a time for unity.”

The G20 summit was due to start Thursday and end Friday.