The Aakhya G20 Special | Bringing it home
The Aakhya G20 Special | Bringing it home
The second day of the G20 Summit began on a sombre note. Esteemed global leaders convened at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at Rajghat in New Delhi to pay their solemn respects, braving ceaseless rain. The inaugural day of the Summit had featured with two illuminating sessions: "One Earth" and "One Family". As the curtains were drawn on Day 1, one eagerly anticipated the discussions set to unfold on Day 2, under the compelling theme of "One Future."
The summit’s proceedings began with an address by Prime Minister Modi, highlighting developments on data and digitalisation in India, the need to ensure cybersecurity and the importance of building a framework for the governance of cryptocurrency. He also advocated for a reform of international institutions, emphasising the need to make them more inclusive and aligned with an evolving global landscape. As the summit’s third session proceeded, the United Kingdom announced its biggest ever aid of USD 2 billion to the Green Climate Fund to combat climate change. Alongside the summit, Italy signalled its decision to opt out of China’s Belt Road Initiative while the UK PM expressed concerns to the Chinese Premier over “intrusion into democratic processes in the UK” after a parliamentary researcher was arrested on espionage charges. On the sidelines of the summit, the PM Modi engaged in more bilateral discussions with leaders European Union, Comoros and Canada among others and issued joint statements with Brazil and France.
The Prime Minister’s Address
In a landmark address at the culminating session of the G20, “One Future”, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the need for a collective global effort towards a future characterized by unity, shared interests, and cooperation. He underscored the importance of cultivating a ‘human-centric vision’ instead of what he termed a ‘GDP-centric approach’. This shift in perspective, one hopes, sets the foundation for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
The Prime Minister showcased India's transformative efforts in inclusive development through technology, highlighting the success of digital payments in even the remotest villages. He noted that under India’s presidency, the G20 had adopted a robust framework for digital public infrastructure, accepted the "G20 Principles on Harnessing Data for Development" and launched of the Data for Development Capacity Building Initiative for the development of the Global South.
Mr. Modi also called for progress in addressing the impact of artificial intelligence, seeking a framework for responsible ‘human-centric’ AI governance. India pledged to offer suggestions to ensure AI benefits are accessible for applications ranging from socio-economic development, the creation of a global workforce and research and development. Mr. Modi also urged for the formulation of global standards for regulating cryptocurrencies, proposing a model akin to the Basel standards for bank regulation.
Finally, his speech advocated for reforming international organizations, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to represent contemporary global realities. India has eyed a permanent seat at the Security Council for long – a bid which has been echoed from many other quarters. The Prime Minister highlighted the need to expand UNSC membership, considering the substantial increase in UN members and changes in global dynamics.
India proves its climate leadership with another international alliance
To support sustainable biofuel development and deployment, India took the leading role in launching the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA). This initiative aims to unite the world's largest biofuel consumers and producers, with 19 countries and 12 international organizations already committing to the alliance.
Biofuels plays an essential role in decarbonising transport by providing a low-cost solution. Carbon emissions from biofuel production process emit a stream of high CO2 concentration, which avoids need for further purification. In 2022, biofuels helped avoid nearly 4% of global oil use for road transport. Due to elevated costs, source material worries and implementation hurdles, global biofuel growth rate is half of what it must be to help achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Announced during the G20 summit, the GBA is designed as a platform for collaboration of the government, international organizations and industry stakeholders. Three members – the USA, Brazil and India – constitute nearly 85% share in biofuel production and 81% in consumption. With membership of these nations, learnings in designing long-term strategies, implementing investment signals and ensuring supplies can be shared, helping drive the sustainable energy transition. The initiative will facilitate capacity building by establishing a virtual marketplace, enabling industry players to better understand demand-supply dynamics. It will also provide technical support to national biofuel programs and assist standardization and regulation to encourage scalable adoption and trade of biofuels.
PM Modi calls for a shift to a human-centric approach
As one of his key messages during the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sounded a call to shift from a ‘GDP-centric approach’ to a ‘human-centred’ one, asking that we collectively seek new solutions to old problems. Rather than evaluating development solely through the lens of economic growth, this shift emphasises the well-being and empowerment of its people. This broad vision is encapsulated in the call for 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas', which encompasses cooperation for poverty eradication, robust infrastructure, accessible education, improved sanitation, financial inclusion and the elimination of corruption. The approach prioritises not only economic prosperity but also the quality of life of citizens, ensuring that the benefits of development reach every corner of society.
Furthermore, this transition signifies India's commitment to fostering inclusivity and cooperation on the global stage. By championing the theme 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future,' India signals its dedication to collaborative efforts for the betterment of humanity. This underscores the idea that by uplifting ordinary people, economic progress becomes a natural consequence.
Underlying this shift is a call for developed nations to value the perspectives and needs of developing nations. It emphasizes that inclusivity and collaboration are essential to global decision-making, and that complex challenges and solutions require input and cooperation from all nations, regardless of their economic status. A more equitable and cooperative global order is, therefore, essential for addressing the pressing issues of our time.
As a concrete example of India's commitment to human-centric growth, the Prime Minister mentioned India's willingness to share data from the Chandrayaan mission for the benefit of all countries. He also announced the establishment of a Global South - Science & Technology Initiative, in addition to a Global Center of Excellence to undertake research on scalable development solutions or best practices of developing countries. Such collaboration and knowledge-sharing is essential to international cooperation in addressing global challenges.
India showcased its successful implementation of pro-people welfare schemes, electrification, sanitation initiatives, and financial inclusion programs as proof of its dedication to transforming in the lives of its citizens. Under its leadership at the G20 Summit, the theme underlying much of India’s messaging was the need for a new era where the welfare and aspirations of humanity take precedence over mere economic statistics, fostering a more inclusive and equitable global agenda.
Strengthening of the Global South
The Global South usually finds itself on the periphery of international deliberations. Signs of change are emerging, however, exemplified now by G20 Summit and last month by the BRICS Summit. Both gatherings were hosted by developing nations and marked by substantial progress, indicating a potential shift in the world order. The Global South, it appears, is poised to assume a more prominent role in global affairs.
The ’Global South’ is an informal group of approximately 134 states, primarily developing nations and some affluent Middle-Eastern countries; all of whom grapple with many common social, economic and political challenges. However, they are often overlooked when the developed world, exemplified by G7 member nations, take a unified stance on global issues due to their close political, economic and military relationships. Nonetheless, the Global South has periodically united to adopt a cohesive stance, as evinced by their opposition to the Global North’s intervention in Libya in 2011 and the U.S. airstrikes against Saddam Hussein in 2003.
In a concerted effort to bolster their representation on the global stage, the African Union has secured permanent membership in the G20 during this Summit, after BRICS welcomed six new members just last month. During bilateral discussions with Brazil on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, India and Brazil also discussed an expansion of the UNSC membership and reaffirmed their mutual support for securing permanent positions.
While concerns persist that the discordant interests of developing countries may impede consensus on international issues, India’s adept diplomacy at the G20 Summit provides a possible way forward. Despite the Summit being regarded as one of the most challenging, India brokered a compromise, resulting in a unanimous G20 declaration. This achievement underscores the role emerging economies such as India may now assume in shaping the global landscape.
Culmination of the G20 Summit 2023
Prime Minister Modi concluded the G20 summit, by proposing a follow-up virtual session at the end of November to accelerate progress on suggestions and proposals made during the summit. The Prime Minister highlighted that India will continue its G20 presidency until November 30, providing over two months to fulfil its leadership responsibilities within the group
In a symbolic act, the PM handed over the presidency gavel and offered his heartfelt wishes to Brazil as they prepare to assume leadership from December 1 this year. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva put forth three priorities under Brazil’s presidency- social inclusion and the fight against hunger, energy transition and sustainable development and reform of global governance institutions. The Brazilian presidency's motto, "Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet." encompasses these priorities. Two task forces will be established under the new presidency: Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, and the Global Mobilization against Climate Change.
G20 has been a diplomatic success for India, showcasing the country’s ability to bridge gaps in a divided world. The unanimous adoption of the New Delhi declaration, the inclusion of the African Union and the announcement of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE-EC) showcase how India is slowly coming to assume the mantle of a global power.
Read more:
India’s G-20 win shows US learning how to counter China’s rise (livemint.com)
For G20 Delhi Declaration, G7 Ceded Major Ground On Ukraine (ndtv.com)
This week’s edition comes from Sakshi Satija, Devyani Wadera and Vrinda Tulsian, with inputs from Pranav Agarwal, Aradhana Gupta and Yashvika Malhan.