Highlights from the G20 Summit 2023 held in New Delhi, India

The 18th G20 Summit recently happened in New Delhi, India, and it was India’s first time hosting this big meeting. The summit brought together leaders from 43 countries, including 19 G20 members, the European Union, nine special guest countries, and 14 international organizations. The main theme of the summit was “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” which means focusing on people and including everyone in the world’s development.

Before the summit, there were more than 200 meetings and events held in 55 different cities across India. These meetings involved government officials, experts, and people from various groups. The G20 summit’s agenda covered many important topics like health, climate change, energy, trade, the digital economy, building things like roads and bridges, education, creating jobs, supporting women, fighting corruption, and dealing with terrorism.

The most recent addition to the G20 membership is the African Union (AU), which was invited by India to join the group in 2023. The AU is a continental organization that represents 55 African countries and promotes peace, security, and development in Africa. The AU’s inclusion reflects the G20’s recognition of Africa’s growing role and potential in the global economy.

What is the G20 Summit?

The G20 summit is an international forum that brings together the leaders of 20 major economies to discuss global issues and coordinate policies. The G20 was established in 1999 in response to the Asian financial crisis as a way to enhance cooperation among the world’s most influential countries.

The first G20 summit of heads of state or government was held in Washington, D.C., USA, on November 14–15, 2008, amid the global financial crisis of 2007–2008. The summit aimed to restore confidence in the markets, strengthen financial regulation, and reform international financial institutions.

G20 Summit 2023 Member Countries

The G20 membership of countries as well as the host location

G20 Summit 2023 Guest Countries

The G20 summit comprises 20 member countries, yet due to its profound global economic implications, numerous nations participate as observers, alongside numerous international and regional organizations. This international gathering captures the attention of the entire world. Here are a few of the member countries participating in the G20 Summit 2023:

Key highlights of the G20 Summit 2023

• Health: The leaders have once again affirmed their dedication to ending the COVID-19 pandemic and preventing future outbreaks. They intend to achieve this by strengthening global healthcare systems and ensuring equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments. They have given their endorsement to the Rome Declaration on Health as a Global Public Good and have agreed to establish a Global Health Threats Council to bolster preparedness and response capabilities. Additionally, they are supporting the creation of a global health financing mechanism to mobilize resources for health security and universal health coverage.

• Climate Change: The leaders have acknowledged the pressing need to address climate change and its impact on both people and the planet. They have reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement and its complete implementation. As part of their commitment, they have pledged to enhance their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and work towards achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions around mid-century. Furthermore, they have promised to phase out ineffective subsidies for fossil fuels and increase climate finance for developing nations. They have also welcomed the launch of the Global Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), an initiative originating from India aimed at promoting the development of resilient infrastructure in vulnerable regions.

• Energy: Recognizing the significance of ensuring accessible, dependable, sustainable, and modern energy for all, the leaders have given their endorsement to the G20 Principles on Circular Carbon Economy. They are committed to promoting innovation and collaboration in clean energy technologies, including renewable energy, hydrogen, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), and nuclear energy. Additionally, they support the expansion of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), another initiative originating from India that aims to facilitate the deployment of solar energy in member and partner countries.

• Trade: The leaders have reaffirmed their support for a rules-based multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organization (WTO) and have called for reforms to address current challenges and future requirements. They have committed to constructive efforts to achieve a successful outcome at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference scheduled for November 2023 in Geneva. Additionally, they have pledged to foster an open, fair, and non-discriminatory environment for digital trade and e-commerce.

• Digital Economy: Recognizing the potential of digital technologies to drive economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability, the leaders have endorsed the G20 Roadmap on Digital Government. They have agreed to enhance digital literacy and skills among their populations and collaborate on issues related to data governance, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital taxation.

• Infrastructure: Acknowledging the crucial role of high-quality infrastructure in promoting sustainable development and connectivity, the leaders have endorsed the G20 Principles for Quality Infrastructure Investment. They intend to mobilize private sector participation and financing for infrastructure projects and have welcomed the establishment of the Global Infrastructure Hub (GIH), a platform for sharing knowledge and best practices in infrastructure development.

• Education: The leaders have emphasized the importance of providing inclusive and equitable quality education for all, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. They have given their endorsement to the G20 Action Plan on Education Continuity and Recovery and have committed to supporting the digital transformation and innovation of education systems. Additionally, they pledge to increase investments in education and skills development for youth and women.

• Employment: Recognizing the need to create decent work opportunities for all, especially in the face of rapid technological changes and demographic transitions, the leaders have endorsed the G20 Policy Priorities on Labor Market Policies for an Inclusive Recovery from COVID-19. They are committed to promoting social protection, social dialogue, and labor standards, as well as reducing inequalities and discrimination in labor markets. They also aim to enhance labor mobility and integration.

• Women’s Empowerment: The leaders have reaffirmed their dedication to achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls across all aspects of life. They have endorsed the G20 Action Plan on Women’s Empowerment and have agreed to work towards the 25×25 target, which aims to reduce the gender gap in labor force participation by 25 percent by 2025. Additionally, they are committed to increasing women’s access to finance, education, health, digital technologies, and leadership positions.

• Anti-Corruption: Recognizing the detrimental impact of corruption on economic growth, social justice, and public trust, the leaders have endorsed the G20 High-Level Principles on Preventing Corruption and Ensuring Integrity in the Public Sector. They intend to strengthen their legal and institutional frameworks to combat corruption, promote transparency, and ensure accountability. Furthermore, they are committed to enhancing international cooperation and mutual legal assistance in matters related to anti-corruption.

• Terrorism: The leaders have strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and have reiterated their united determination to combat it. They have endorsed the G20 Action Plan on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism and have committed to implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and relevant Security Council resolutions. Additionally, they aim to enhance information sharing and capacity building in the fight against terrorism and the prevention of violent extremism.

Conclusion:

The G20 Summit in New Delhi was a historic occasion for India to showcase its leadership and vision on the global stage. It was also an opportunity for the G20 members and partners to forge a new path for human-centric and inclusive development in the post-pandemic world. The summit demonstrated the spirit of “One Earth, One Family, One Future“, as the leaders pledged to work together for a healthier, greener, and more prosperous world for all. The next G20 summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2024, under the presidency of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

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Kaushiki Sinha

EXPERIENCED CONTENT WRITER. WORKED WITH GLOBAL AND INDIAN CLIENTS.

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