New Delhi: India prepares to host the 18th G20 Summit today, with the participation of numerous global leaders and dignitaries, it is imperative to delve into the summit’s agenda and objectives.
This high-profile event has attracted the presence of over 30 heads of state, alongside prominent officials from the European Union and guest countries who have been extended invitations.
Additionally, the summit will see the participation of 14 heads of international organizations, making it a truly significant gathering on the global stage.
India is hosting the G20 Leader’s Summit in the national capital at the newly inaugurated Bharat Mandapam on September 9-10.
The first session of the G20 Summit, scheduled for approximately 10:30, will center around the theme of ‘One Earth,’ which represents a central topic of discussion among G20 leaders. This session is dedicated to expediting climate action by enhancing mitigation efforts and reinforcing the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions at the earliest possible juncture.
Notably, the theme of this year’s G20 Summit, which is taking place under India’s presidency is “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.
After the conclusion of the ‘One Earth’ session, and followed by lunch, another session of ‘One Family’ would be conducted at 3.00 p.m. as a part of the Summit.
At around 7:00 pm in the evening hours, the dinner hosted by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu will take place.
Besides the foreign delegates parliamentarians and ministers in the current Cabinet, the G20 Summit dinner will be attended by some of the former senior leaders of the nation.
US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are among the key leaders who are going to attend the event in the country’s capital city.
Notably, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be taking part in the weekend summit. China, however, will be represented at the summit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will represent Russia.
This is the first time that the G20 Summit is being hosted by India. Extensive preparations have been underway to portray India’s tradition and strength.
The agenda for the summit is still being finalized, but some of the key issues that are expected to be discussed include:
Climate change: India has been a vocal advocate for climate action, and the summit is expected to see discussions on how to accelerate the global transition to a net-zero emissions economy.
Global economic recovery: The world economy is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the summit will look at ways to boost growth and create jobs.
Food security: The global food security situation is becoming increasingly precarious, and the summit will discuss ways to ensure that everyone has access to affordable and nutritious food.
Health: The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of global health cooperation, and the summit will discuss how to strengthen the global health system.
Technology: Technology is rapidly transforming the world, and the summit will look at how to harness technology for sustainable development.
The G20 Summit is a major opportunity for India to showcase its leadership on global issues. The summit is also expected to boost India’s economy and create jobs.
In addition to the above, here are some other topics that are expected to be discussed at the G20 Summit:
Sustainable development: The summit will look at ways to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
Anti-corruption: The summit will discuss ways to strengthen the fight against corruption.
Gender equality: The summit will discuss ways to promote gender equality and empower women.
Multilateralism: The summit will discuss ways to strengthen multilateralism and global cooperation.
The G20 Summit is a major event that will have a significant impact on the global agenda. India is playing a leading role in the preparations for the summit, and it is expected to be a major success.