India’s ambitious agenda, for development takes the spotlight at the G20 Summit as it assumes the role of host this year. While the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict remains a topic of interest there is an emphasis on addressing challenges through sustainable means. Originally established as a platform for cooperation between developing nations the G20 has evolved to tackle a wider range of issues. These include energy, international debt, climate change and health security.
Major Agendas for G20 Summit 2023!
During a press briefing, Amitabh Kant, India’s representative at G20 highlighted that the forthcoming Leaders Declaration will reflect the perspectives and concerns of both developing and least developed nations from across the Global South. For the 2023 G20 Summit India has chosen “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam; One Earth, One Family, One Future” as its theme. The country has outlined six priorities;
1) Promoting Green Development: Climate change takes the stage with a specific focus on climate finance and technology. Led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in climate action India sets goals such, as achieving 50 percent fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030.India is expected to advocate for an agreement, on development that encompasses various important aspects such as climate finance, sustainable lifestyles, circular economy progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) energy transitions and energy security.
2) One of India’s Objectives is to Promote Growth on a Global Level: This includes empowering medium enterprises in global trade advocating for labor rights and welfare addressing the global skills gap and fostering inclusive agricultural value chains and food systems.
3) Mitigating the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The G20 Summit will prioritize discussions on accelerating the implementation of the 2030 agenda for development with a focus on mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. India has formulated a seven-year action plan for SDGs that aims to leverage data and digital technologies for development ensure transitions and make investments in women-led development with an emphasis on gender equality and women empowerment.
4) Key Agendas Under India G20 Presidency: It includes digital public infrastructure ensuring security, in the digital economy and promoting digital skilling initiatives.
India will be showcasing its advancements in transformation, across sectors such as agriculture and education. Additionally, it will focus on promoting inclusion and highlighting success stories like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
Regarding institutions, India is an advocate for their reform to effectively address the challenges of the 21st century. This involves reforms of development banks like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Notably, both the United States and the United Nations are also supportive of this reform agenda. During the summit, President Joe Biden will emphasize the urgency of World Bank reform while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will call upon G20 member nations to consider reforms in financial institutions, rules and frameworks.
Under India’s G20 presidency gender parity takes stage. In addition to women empowerment efforts, India envisions women-led development where women actively shape development agendas. Initiatives such as Tec Equity aim to provide women with upskilling opportunities and promote financial education. Furthermore, an online platform for mentoring women entrepreneurs has been launched to underscore India’s commitment to fostering women’s participation in sectors including small and medium-sized enterprises as well, as grassroots leadership.
India’s holistic approach, to the G20 Summit, demonstrates its dedication to tackling issues and promoting growth with a particular emphasis, on empowering women and reducing gender disparities.