Meenu Sadhotra
The theme of India’s G 20 presidency – ” Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or One Earth One Family One Future” is drawn from the ancient Sanskrit text of Maha Upanishad. 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. This also seems in alignment with the Panch Pran to take pride in our civilizational heritage and to decolonize our minds.
Since globalisation began to advance and numerous concerns became more intricately connected, recent G20 summits have begun focused not only on macroeconomics and trade, but also on a wide variety of global challenges that have a significant impact on the global economy. Through its contributions to tackling these global concerns, the G20 has aimed to actualize an inclusive and sustainable world.
For the countries like India, the G20 is a unique global institution where developed and developing countries have equal stature and the developing countries can display their global political, economic and intellectual leadership on par with the world’s most powerful countries. Thus, heading this world’s most influential multilateral forum is an occasion of national rejoicing and is projected as a symbol of India’s growing global stature and prestige. In its first ever leadership role, India’s long awaited moment to lead and spearhead new policies at the negotiating table has arrived. 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, which as a mass movement advocating for mindful and deliberate utilization of resources.
The G20 Theme embodies India’s efforts to realise its vision of uniting the entire world in pursuit of a common goal and a better future.
The saffron, white, green, and blue hues of the Indian flag serve as the basis for the G20 Logo. “Planet Earth is compared to the lotus, the national flower of India, which symbolises growth over adversity. India’s pro-planet philosophy of living in complete harmony with nature is reflected in the Earth. The word “Bharat” is written in Devanagari script beneath the G20 logo. The G20 emblem for India was inspired by the lotus and symbolises “our firm convictions. With this logo and concept, we have conveyed a message of peace and nonviolence.”
The lotus, the national flower of India and a symbol of progress over obstacles, is placed in opposition to Earth in the logo. The lotus is a representation of India’s intellectualism, faith, and mythological heritage. In times of crises and global instability, the lotus symbol in the G20 logo symbolizes hope. The lotus blooms despite the challenging conditions. In Indian mythology, the Goddess of wisdom and wealth sits on a lotus flower. The seven continents are represented by the seven petals of the lotus in the logo. Seven is also the number of notes in the global language of music, where the seven notes combine to create perfect harmony while maintaining the individuality of each note.
The logo and the theme together convey a powerful message of India’s G 20 Presidency, which is of striving for just and equitable growth for all in the world, as we navigate through these turbulent times, in a sustainable, holistic, responsible, and inclusive manner. They represent a uniquely Indian approach to our G 20 Presidency of living in harmony with the surrounding ecosystem.
The G20 summit will be a major milestone for the country’s democracy, bestowing a key leadership role of India on the world stage to tackle the immediate issues of war and conflict as well as focus attention on the need for financial stability, peace and sustainable development. G 20 forum gets a chance to do justice to the needs and expectations of the developed and developing countries. G 20 revolves around women’s empowerment, digital public infrastructure, health, agriculture, sustainable development, education, tourism, climate change, global food security, energy security, green hydrogen, disaster management, skill courses etc. and of course India will use G 20 forum to address its concerns on terrorism funding as well. Further, India must pivot discussions around knowledge and technology exchange, standardization, political neutrality in energy.
India’s position in G20 will aspire to deliver outcomes in areas of critical interest such as integrating the climate and development agenda, disaster risk reduction and accelerating progress towards achieving the SDG 2030 mandate.
However, the presidency came at the time of geopolitical tumult, uncertainty over post pandemic recovery and the looming crises of climate change. The world is looking out to the G 20 and to India’s presidency to try to come up with some solutions. During its term, India will hold more than 200 meetings across the country leading to a landmark summit in New Delhi in September 2023. And New Delhi is expected to highlight the need for unity and cooperation to resolve the major global challenges. The presidency could drive the climate and energy transition agenda by instituting bold domestic and global initiatives that are concrete and bring real change on the ground. It is the best hope for the world in its fight against climate crises and work towards acquiring sustainable development goals.
Significance of India’s presidency in G20
* The G20 is a major force behind the world economy, accounting for 85% of worldwide GDP, 75% of trade, and 90% of global patents. The future of the globe is shaped by the G20’s deliberations and conclusions.
* Due to factors like the ongoing worldwide conflicts, the reorganisation of the global supply networks, the record-high level of global debt, etc., the Presidency this year will be very important.
* It is an excellent chance for India to promote its image and ensure that after the summit, each visitor returns refreshed mentally and spiritually.
* Additionally, it will raise India’s stature and give India possibilities in a variety of industries.
Priority Areas for India as President
* Increasing the rate of inclusive and sustainable growth is the top priority area.
* The second top priority is taking action on climate change and making sure that poor and emerging markets are given enough funding in this area. The secret to growth is climate financing.
* Another topic for discussion and consideration is the acceleration of technology in a number of industries, including education, health, and others.
* During the presidency, accelerating the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals will also be a major concern. It is essential that the world develop and grow in a way that is fair and inclusive.
* Technological transformation, public digital infrastructure, reform in the multilateral institutions, women led development.
* International peace and harmony.
* According to India, individual activities need to be adequately focused on for climate change adaptation and mitigation rather than having long-term goals like 2050 targets. In this regard, discussions will centre on Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE).
* India will discuss a number of additional agenda items during the summit, including green hydrogen, digital public goods, energy transitions, etc.
The declaration of the year 2023 as the International year of Millets offers a dual solution for both climate adaptability and food security.
And the Major Challenges which India will be addressing are :
Geopolitical tensions
Economic slowdown
Rising food and energy prices (Global inflation)
Climate change
Long term ill effects of pandemic
Terrorism funding
Economic growth of countries devasted by Pandemic
Compensation from polluter countries
Health and digital transformation
SDGs implementation.
Over all, this is a great opportunity for India to showcase to the world the prowess the India has developed and its also an opportunity for showcasing the diverse cultural capital of India to the world. Indian Government has already issued directions to use the logo of G20 in all the advertisements of the Government. India will have to create a holistic and comprehensive approach to lead G 20 by investing more of its best resources into it, so that developing and developed countries stand at the same level. India will definitely make a meaningful contribution in the G 20 to support faster, sustainable and inclusive growth.
(The author is Asstt. Prof. Zoology, GDCW, Kathua)
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