The Minister of Education from India recently addressed the G20 Education Ministers’ Meeting held in Bali, Indonesia. The theme of the summit was ‘Recovery, Re-imagine and Rebuild Stronger.’ The presidency of the G20 will transition from Indonesia to India in December 2022.
India’s Stance at the Summit
The Indian delegate emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to construct a new world where education is the cornerstone in tackling global challenges. According to him, the National Education Policy 2020, anchored on the principles of access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability, serves as India’s guide to providing lifelong learning opportunities and attaining the shared vision of the G20. His speech highlighted India’s remarkable progress in establishing a resilient and comprehensive education system through the implementation of NEP 2020.
He also noted that India places special focus on formal early childhood care and education, assistance for differently-abled children, expansion of digital and multi-modal learning, establishment of flexible entry-exit pathways, and the integration of education with skills, as these are crucial factors in improving learning outcomes.
Introduction to G20
Founded in 1999, the G20 is an international organization comprised of 19 countries and the European Union (EU), along with representatives from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Membership includes a mix of the world’s largest advanced and emerging economies, representing about two-thirds of the world’s population. The G20 plays a significant role in securing future global economic growth and prosperity. Its members represent over 80% of the global GDP, 75% of international trade, and 60% of the global population.
G20 Operating Model
The G20 has no permanent headquarters. The secretariat is moved annually, based on the country currently holding or set to hold the Presidency. Members of this international group are divided across five different groups, with India falling into Group 2 which also includes Russia, South Africa, and Turkey. The G20 agenda depends heavily on the guidance of Finance Ministers and central Governors and is finalized by a unique system of ‘Sherpas,’ special envoys of G20 leaders.
The Evolution of G20
The Global Financial Crisis in 2007-08 solidified the G20’s reputation as the primary crisis management and coordination body. By the time Covid-19 pandemic hit, the G20 had diverged from its original mission, and it had to reinvent itself by expanding its agenda to include prevailing issues such as climate change, inequality, migration, drug trafficking, disruptive technologies, and the fulfillment of sustainable development goals.
Despite making significant commitments during the pandemic, G20 members have been relatively slow in turning these promises into action. At the 2020 Riyadh Summit, the priority was identified as battling the pandemic, safeguarding the global economy, addressing international trade disruptions, and boosting global cooperation. The subsequent Italian Presidency in 2021 focused on three broad areas of action: People, Planet, Prosperity.
UPSC Civil Services Examination – Sample Question
As an example, a question from the previous year’s UPSC Civil Services Exam (2020) asked, “Which one of the following groups are all the four countries members of G20?” The options were:
a) Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey
b) Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand
c) Brazil, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam
d) Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea
The correct answer: a) Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey
Last Modified: February 18, 2024