G20 Summit 2023: New Delhi Gears Up for the Meeting
The G20 Summit, also known as the Group of 20, is set to take place in New Delhi on September 9 and 10. This platform plays a significant role in determining international economic issues.
G also critically addresses various topics, from economic stability, global trade to numerous global challenges. The G group doesn’t have a permanent secretariat. It operates on a unique rotation system amongst its 19 countries and the European Union to select its new chair.
About 24 years have passed since the formation of the G group, and during this period, a total of 17 G-Group meetings have been organized. The upcoming summit in New Delhi will be the 18th G meeting.
Origin of the G20
Before 1999, Asia was going through an economic crisis. In view of this, a G8 countries’ meeting was held in Germany. Subsequently, the G20 was formed. The G Group meetings initially invited finance ministers and central bank governors from 20 economically strong countries to discuss global financial matters. However, after the global recession in 2008, the country’s heads of state also began participating.
Countries in the Group
The G 20 comprises 19 countries:
- India
- USA
- China
- Russia
- Brazil
- Canada
- Argentina
- Australia
- France
- Germany
- Indonesia
- Italy
- Japan
- Mexico
- South Korea
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Turkey
- UK
- the European Union
How the Group Functions
The G20 operates through two parallel tracks: The Finance Track and the Sherpa Track. The Finance Track is led by finance ministers and central bank governors, while the Sherpa Track is directed by the Sherpas. In the context of the G 20, Sherpas aren’t the mountain guides; they are high-ranking government officials and diplomats who play a pivotal role in planning meetings and conferences on behalf of their respective countries.
Discussion Points for the Meeting
- Environmental pollution and climate change are significant concerns not just for India but the entire world. Therefore, addressing environmental sustainability is vital on the global platform like the G20.
- ECSWG (Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group) meeting in Gandhinagar, discussions will revolve around environment protection, biodiversity, climate change, and upcoming challenges.
- The meeting will also focus on water resource conservation and management. Other global environmental conservation issues will also be on the table.
Group Representatives to Tour the Sabarmati River Front
During the ECSWG meeting: G20 representatives will visit the Sabarmati River Front. Here, they can observe wastewater management practices like using treated water from sewage treatment plants to rejuvenate the river.
In addition, foreign delegates will visit the ‘Sabarmati Siphon and Escape on Narmada Main Canal‘ to marvel at India’s engineering skills. The reason being the water from the Narmada River flows beneath the riverbed through a massive tunnel and continues on the other side.
Side Event on Water Resource Management
Everyone understands the significance of water as the essence of life. Therefore, the G20’s ECSWG meeting will emphasize safeguarding water for future generations and water resource management. G20 representatives will also share their perspectives on strengthening water resource management.
During the session, foreign delegates will tour the Adalaj Stepwell in Gandhinagar to witness India’s ancient water management practices. Adalaj Stepwell exemplifies India’s long-standing tradition of conserving water resources in a harmonious environment.
ECSWG Meeting under the Sherpa Track
While there are two parallel tracks in the G20, one is the finance track, and the other is the Sherpa track. Under India’s leadership, the Sherpa track will have discussions on priorities through 13 working groups and 2 initiatives.
The meeting for the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group is being organized under the G20 Sherpa track. In addition, the third ECSWG meeting under the G20 umbrella will be held in Mumbai from May 21 to 23, followed by the fourth meeting in Chennai from May 26 to 27.
Delegates will Experience Gandhinagar’s Culture
Notably, India will chair the global platform G Group until November 30, 2023. During this period, over 200 meetings on various global issues, including finance and digital, will be held in 50 cities across India. Leaders from G Group member countries, guest nations, and several other international organizations are visiting India.
During their visit, India is introducing the G-Group representatives to its diverse cultural heritages, traditions, and historical sites. Moreover, during the second ECSWG meeting in Gandhinagar, the representatives will enjoy Gujarat’s rich cultural traditions, dance, music, and events.
Discussion Points from the First ECSWG Meeting
Recently, the first Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting under India’s chairmanship was held in Bengaluru. The inaugural ECSWG meeting focused on three primary priorities.
The meeting in Bengaluru discussed enhancing biodiversity, promoting the blue economy, and encouraging resource efficiency and a circular economy. Additionally, the essential aspects of environmental restoration were discussed from a global perspective.
All Group countries, given India’s leadership, expressed their support on the topics proposed by MoEF&CC (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change).