Resilience comes from collective preparedness, not isolation, says PM at G20

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the lesson from these challenges is clear: resilience comes from collective preparedness, not from facing them alone.

“As ASEAN Chair this year, Malaysia has worked with our Southeast Asian neighbours to manage these challenges.

“This lesson is important as Artificial Intelligence (AI) will reorganise labour markets at a pace our institutions will struggle to match. Without early investment in these transitions, workers, particularly the youth, will have to confront these challenges on their own,” he said during his intervention at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa today.

As such, Anwar put forward several observations.

“First, countries must prepare their people, especially the youth, to deal with the rapid pace of technological change.

“Training opportunities and strong safety nets are crucial, as well as support for small and medium enterprises, which shoulder much of the employment burden,” he said.

Second, Anwar said open and predictable trade remains essential.

“In Southeast Asia, we continue to strengthen our commitment to international trade. We have found that interconnected markets with clear and stable rules reinforce supply chains and give firms the confidence to invest,” the Prime Minister said.

Finally, Anwar said global resilience cannot be built on fiscal exhaustion.

“Countries must have the capacity to invest before disruptions occur, not after. Multilateral development banks must be prepared to act faster and work closely with nations to support investments that build resilience,” he explained.

Before concluding his intervention, Anwar said Malaysia is ready to work with all partners to face these shared challenges and help maintain an open and predictable global economy that provides fair opportunities for people to progress.

Today marks the first day of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The morning session of the G20 focused on Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development to ensure no one is left behind.

G20 member countries comprise Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, the United States, the African Union and the European Union.

Anwar arrived in Johannesburg on Thursday for a four-day working visit.