India’s G20 Presidency – Things to Note for UPSC Exams

India holds the Presidency of the G20 from December 1, 2022 to November 30, 2023. The 43 Heads of Delegations- the largest ever in G20-will be participating in the final New Delhi Summit in September next year. The G20 Logo draws inspiration from the vibrant colours of Indias national flag saffron, white and green, and blue. It juxtaposes planet Earth with the lotus, Indias national flower that reflects growth amid challenges. The Earth reflects Indias pro-planet approach to life, one in perfect harmony with nature. Below the G20 logo is Bharat, written in the Devanagari script.

Theme: “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”

The theme of Indias G20 Presidency – Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or One Earth One Family One Future – is drawn from the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad. Essentially, the theme affirms the value of all life human, animal, plant, and microorganisms and their interconnectedness on the planet Earth and in the wider universe. The theme also spotlights LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), with its associated, environmentally sustainable and responsible choices, both at the level of individual lifestyles as well as national development, leading to globally transformative actions resulting in a cleaner, greener and bluer future.

India’s G20 Priorities

For India, the G20 Presidency also marks the beginning of Amritkaal, the 25-year period beginning from the 75th anniversary of its independence on 15 August 2022, leading up to the centenary of its independence, towards a futuristic, prosperous, inclusive and developed society, distinguished by a human-centric approach at its core. A new working group on Disaster Risk Reduction will be established under India’s Presidency to encourage collective work by the G20, undertake multi-disciplinary research and exchange best practices on disaster risk reduction. Indias special invitee guest countries are Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain and UAE. G-20s invited international organisations are UN, IMF, World Bank, WHO, WTO, ILO, FSB, OECD, AU Chair, NEPAD Chair, ASEAN Chair, ADB, ISA and CDRI.

Green Development, Climate Finance & LiFE

The opportunity to lead G20 comes at a time of compounding existential threat, with the COVID-19 pandemic having exposed the fragilities of our systems under the cascading impacts of climate change. In this regard, climate change is a key priority for Indias presidential Presidency, with a particular focus towards not only climate finance and technology, but also ensuring just energy transitions for developing nations across the world. Understanding that the issue of climate change cuts across industry, society, and sectors, India offers the world LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) -a behaviour-based movement that draws from our nation’s rich, ancient sustainable traditions to nudge consumers, and in-turn markets, to adopt environmentally-conscious practices. This ties closely with Indias G20 theme: ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘One Earth. One Family. One Future.

Accelerated, Inclusive & Resilient Growth

An accelerated, resilient and inclusive growth is a cornerstone for sustainable development. During its G20 Presidency, India aims to focus on areas that have the potential to drive growth and development, such as digitalization, infrastructure development, and innovation. The Indian G20 Presidency aims to ensure that the benefits of growth are inclusive and reach all sections of society, including women, youth, and marginalized communities. Additionally, India will work towards building a more resilient global economy by promoting financial stability and addressing issues related to debt and inequality.

Meetings and Events

G20 meetings will not be limited only to New Delhi or other metropolises. Drawing inspiration from its G20 Presidency theme of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’-“One Earth One Family One Future, as well as the Prime Minister’s vision of an ‘all of government” approach, India will host over 200 meetings in over 50 cities across 32 different workstreams, and would have the opportunity to offer G20 delegates and guests a glimpse of India’s rich cultural heritage and provide them with a unique Indian experience. The Presidency is also a chance for the G20 Secretariat to provide the country’s citizens with the unique opportunity be a part of India’s G20 story. The Indian G20 presidency has also planned a year-long India Experience’ for G20 member countries, special invitees, and others.

Synopsis

India’s G20 Presidency is an opportunity to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and its commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth. The theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth One Family One Future” highlights the interconnectedness of all life on earth and the importance of environmentally sustainable and responsible choices. India’s priorities during the G20 Presidency include green development, climate finance, and a focus on accelerated, inclusive and resilient growth. The meetings and events planned during the presidency will provide a unique opportunity for G20 delegates and guests to experience India’s culture and be a part of the country’s G20 story.