The summit of the Group of 20 nations has started in Rome to discuss issues including climate change, NHK reported.

The agenda on Saturday is expected to include the impact of high energy prices on the global economy and measures against the coronavirus. The leaders are also expected to exchange views on digitalization to eliminate gaps between urban and rural areas.

They will discuss climate change on Sunday. Summit chair Italy wants them to find common ground in setting a target year for net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Officials in the country hope to bring that momentum to the COP26 climate conference scheduled to start in UK right after this summit.

Japan, the United States, and the European Union have set a goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. China and Saudi Arabia say their target year is 2060.

Attention is focused on whether the G20 leaders will be able to issue a positive message despite that difference.

The summit is being held face-to-face for the first time in two years.

Italy will announce the outcome of the meeting when it closes on Sunday. Many of the G20 leaders will then move on to UK to attend the COP26 conference in Glasgow.