Substantive discussions on India’s G20 Priorities conclude on Day 3 of the 1st Sherpa Meeting at Udaipur
Substantive conversations on key global issues of inclusive growth,
multilateralism, and women-led development, as well as 3Fs (Food, Fuel, and
Fertilizer), tourism, and culture, were the highlights of the third day of the
first Sherpa Meeting of India’s G20 Presidency, being held in Udaipur,
Rajasthan. Today marked the conclusion of all five substantive sessions of the
Sherpa meeting in Udaipur.
Initiating the discussions, Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa provided an
overview of India’s G20 priorities on the above subjects, across six different
Working Groups on Agriculture, Trade and Investment, Employment,
Anti-Corruption, Tourism, and Culture, as well as ways to strengthen
cooperative efforts therein. He emphasized the need for transformational
efforts in agriculture, trade, employment, and combating corruption and
economic crimes. During discussions on the global impediments to economic
growth, delegates underscored the importance of attaining resilient growth
through long-term solutions and meaningful partnerships. Shri Amitabh Kant
expressed appreciation for the support extended by the delegations on the wide
range of priorities set out by India.
This was followed by Session 4 which focused on the need for
multilateral reforms and building institutions that are better able to capture
the needs and ambitions and reflect the priorities of all regions and countries
across the globe, and address the challenges of the day. Issues pertaining to
addressing disruptions and promoting security of food, fuel, and fertilizer
supplies were deliberated upon. Strengthening and enhancing the mandate and resources
of Multilateral Development Banks, reforming the WTO, the importance of Green
Hydrogen in achieving green energy transition including for hard-to-abate
sectors, and reformed multilateralism for greater peace and harmony, were some
of the major areas of discussion. Given the contemporary global socio-economic
and geopolitical concerns, it was highlighted that the discussion is timely,
and of great significance.
Session 5 discussions centered around Women-led Development, and the
need to have women at the forefront of development. The interventions in the
session drew attention to critical priorities such as reducing gender gaps,
enhancing the capacity of women through education and skilling, promoting women
in leadership roles, and boosting female labour force participation. Leveraging
the tourism sector to accelerate progress towards SDG achievement, and
protection, promotion, and preservation of culture, as also restitution of
cultural properties, were the other areas covered in the session.
With this, the five substantive Sessions held over two days of the
Sherpa Meeting came to a conclusion. Rounding up the fruitful deliberations of
the past three days, India’s G20 Sherpa highlighted focal areas of discussion
and stressed the need to reinforce collective action of the G20 nations. The
overarching theme of India’s Presidency — Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - One Earth.
One Family. One Future - resonated throughout the proceedings.
After the substantive
sessions, a tour of the renowned Crafts village, Shilpgram, was conducted for
the G20 Sherpas and the delegations. Guests were captivated by its
architecture, and the diversity of Rajasthani arts and crafts that was
showcased. The delegations were also treated to an illuminous and colourful
musical treat at the historic Manek Chowk, Udaipur, in the evening.