There are the sounds of helicopters flying over the port city of Hamburg, Germany, even though German police do not permit protesters to enter the security zones where foreign delegations are staying. The atmosphere in the city is filled with a serious disturbance as police sirens can be heard on every corner of the city. The 19-richest countries in the world and their representatives are gathering in Hamburg for the G20 Summit. The G20 represents 85 percent of the global economy in an environment in which the inequalities and unjust sharing of resources have caused a serious humanitarian crisis in the world through wars, droughts, hunger and epidemic diseases.
As I write this piece in a cafe in Hamburg, there are endless sounds of police, sirens and helicopters flying over the city.
It is true that solutions sought by world powers are not adequate in meeting the issues of the day. But at the same time, we have to admit that a part of Western-style activism is seen at every international summit. Despite the measures taken by security forces, that section manages to be onstage on the margins of such summits. There is no serious opposition to the global world order shown by these activists, as they are really partners in the abuses of the modern Western world on underdeveloped countries. We need to emphasize this.
Differences between the United States and European countries on climate change, trade issues and other issues constitute a major point of disharmony facing the summit, as well.
Returning to the official and unofficial agenda of the G20 Summit, Turkey, as a member of the G20 and as the host of the 2015 summit, has much to share with the other members. Immigration and refugees, terrorism and Africa were the four political topics of the summit besides other economic aspects.
As the home of nearly 3 million refugees and targeted by terrorism for decades with a serious struggle against terrorism and a different approach to Africa, Turkey and its president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, are a noteworthy presence in Hamburg.
Bilateral meetings with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Russian President Vladimir Putin, British Prime Minister Theresa May as well as the prime minister of Argentina, president of Mexico and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres form another notable aspect of Erdoğan's visit to Hamburg.
The summit is being held at the Forum and Exposition Center in Hamburg with the participation of world leaders. The sirens of police cars, helicopters are still loud.
Let us hope that the summit achieves serious results and ends in proposals for the solutions to global crises.
