New Delhi Hosts G20 Summit: Leaders Gather to Address Global Challenges
New Delhi, the capital city of India, is currently hosting the prestigious G20 summit at Pragati Thayanam. The two-day conference, held for the first time under India’s leadership, began with a warm welcome from Prime Minister Modi at the Bharat Mandapam.
In his opening address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of collaboration among G20 countries. He stated that there is a pressing need for these nations to work together, especially in addressing the complex challenges faced by the global South, the aftermath of the war in Ukraine, the bleak economic climate, and promoting inclusive development amidst a fragmented geopolitical environment.
The conference boasts the participation of notable leaders from member countries, including US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, German Prime Minister Olaf Schaals, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Moreover, heads of international organizations such as the International Fund, World Bank, and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development have also gathered in New Delhi.
This year’s G20 summit includes special invitees from various countries that are not part of the G-20 organization, such as Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, Singapore, Oman, Nigeria, and the Netherlands.
India has also taken the opportunity to highlight the significance of including the African Union as a permanent member of the G-20 organization. Prime Minister Modi addressed this matter in a letter sent to the G-20 leaders, gaining support from EU Council President Charles Michael.
The conference agenda covers vital topics such as reshaping the international debt framework, providing assistance to developing countries, and regulating cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence technology. India’s proposals on issues such as digital public infrastructure, climate finance, sustainable development, and clean energy are expected to yield positive results.
In addition to the official discussions, a grand dinner has been planned for the world leaders by President Drabupati Murmu. However, former Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and Deve Gowda will not be attending due to health concerns. Chief Ministers of various Indian states, including Mamata Banerjee, Nitish Kumar, Stalin, and Arvind Kejriwal, have confirmed their participation, while the Chief Minister of West Bengal was not invited, leading to a boycott by the ruling chief ministers of Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh.
President Draupadi Murmu issued a statement to welcome the G20 participants, highlighting the theme of the summit, “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” The statement expressed hopes for sustainable and inclusive development guided by this theme.
The conference commenced with Prime Minister Modi’s inaugural address, in which he extended condolences to the victims of the recent earthquake in Morocco. He emphasized the need for global cooperation, inclusive development, and a humanitarian approach in addressing the challenges faced by the post-Covid world.
Prime Minister Modi also made headlines by referring to the country as “Bharat” during his speech. The conference hall showcased a sign that read “Bharat,” and the Prime Minister explained the significance of the Konark wheel, a symbol of India’s ancient wisdom and architectural excellence.
The G20 summit in New Delhi has set the stage for crucial discussions and collaborations among world leaders to tackle pressing global issues. As the summit unfolds, the world eagerly awaits the joint statement and the resolutions that will shape the future of international cooperation.