Discussions on India’s G20 Priorities begin on Day 2 of the 1st Sherpa Meeting of India’s G20 Presidency in Udaipur, Rajasthan
At the 1st Sherpa Meeting of India’s G20 Presidency, scheduled from 4 to
7 December 2022, international Sherpas, their delegations, and heads of invited
International Organizations (IOs) from G20 Members, 9 Guest countries and 14
IOs, were warmly welcomed in Udaipur yesterday. The first day of the meeting
saw various activities, interactions, and events including an informal media
interaction, a side event on ‘Sustainable Development Goals: Transforming Lives
at the Midpoint of the 2030 Agenda’, an exhibit of Jal Sanjhi art, a networking
event for delegates, a Desert Music Symphony, and various cultural performances
through the day.
Today, 5 December, marked the beginning of the substantive discussions
on five key focus areas of India’s G20 Presidency. In addition to the first two
sessions on ‘Technological Transformation’ and ‘Green Development and Lifestyle
for Environment (LIFE)’, a dialogue on ‘Global & Regional Economy:
Prospects & Challenges’ and an informal ‘Chai pe Charcha’ among G20 member
countries was also held.
Discussions of the 1st Sherpa Meeting were initiated by
India’s G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, through an overview of India’s G20 priorities
across our 13 Working Groups. The Sherpa highlighted India’s role in providing
a greater voice to the Global South, and utilizing its G20 Chairship to forge
win-win collaborations between developing countries and advanced economies. Ajay
Seth, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, then
proceeded to outline key economic challenges facing the world today, and
highlighted the need for collective efforts by the G20 to respond to them.
This was followed by Session 1 on Technological Transformation,
including the working groups on Digital Economy, Health, and Education.
Delegates discussed challenges in accelerating digitalization across different
sectors in their countries. Further, delegates from G20 countries, guest
invitees, and IOs, made interventions on leveraging the power of technology
through multiple pathways. The importance of cyber security, inclusivity in
expanding access to technological services and infrastructure, and digital
skilling, were inter alia highlighted in the discussions.
Session 2 on ‘Green Development and Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)’
followed, with the focus moving to effective strategies to collectively combat
climate change. The need to facilitate just green and energy transitions was
discussed, with India’s G20 Sherpa highlighting the necessity of galvanizing
collective action towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The topics covered under the Development (DWG), Energy Transitions (ETWG),
Climate Sustainability Working Group (CSWG), and Disaster Risk Resilience and
Reduction (DRRWG) working groups were covered in this session. Countries
appreciated India’s ‘LiFE’ initiative and extended support to take the agenda
forward.
A dialogue on “Global & Regional Economy: Prospects &
Challenges” was held next. Kristina Kostial, Deputy Director of Strategy and
Policy Department, IMF, made a presentation on the pressing global economic
challenges of the day, including the international debt situation and trade.
The dialogue discussed ideas for the world to tackle such concerns and emerge
more resilient to economic vagaries.
A discussion between G20 Sherpa over high tea in the evening - ‘Chai pe
Charcha’, was held to discuss ways forward on shared concerns as well as to
foster deeper relationships and enhance the contribution of G20 as a whole.
During an excursion to the historic Manek Chowk in Udaipur, G20 Sherpas
were provided traditional Indian jackets, Safas/Turban and stoles to further
enrich their authentic cultural experience of Rajasthan. Day 2 concluded with
Ratri Bhoj par Samvaad (Conversation over Dinner) at the spectacular venue -
Jagmandir, Udaipur.
Through a range of cultural activities, visits to historic sites and
scenic locations and showcasing Rajasthani art and craft, the visiting G20
delegates have got a rich glimpse and deep insight into our rich history and
traditions. Udaipur, a city known for its white marble architecture and
beautiful lakes, and the G20 discussions here, is providing them a memorable
and unique experience of India.