New Delhi, September 9, 2023 (Tamsil Shahezad Khan) The much-anticipated G20 Summit of 2023 is off to an engaging start as world leaders converge in New Delhi for a weekend of diplomacy and decision-making. Hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the summit promises to address critical global issues, with a renewed focus on inclusivity and sustainability.
One of the noteworthy highlights of the opening day was the formal inclusion of the African Union as a member of the G20. This historic move came at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi and underscores the commitment to broader representation within the group.
The summit witnessed the arrival of prominent figures such as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Their presence signifies the importance of the discussions to be held over the weekend.
A significant development leading up to the summit was the imminent presentation of the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration. India's sherpa for the G20, Amitabh Kant, shared that the declaration, also referred to as a joint communique, is nearly finalized. It is poised to reflect the voices and concerns of the global south and developing nations, a key priority for this year's summit.
Bilateral talks also took center stage as Prime Minister Modi engaged with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The two leaders signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), including one on cooperation in Digital Payment mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of regional partnerships.
In a notable development, US President Joe Biden arrived in New Delhi, further cementing the United States' commitment to the G20 Summit. President Biden and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen held a closed-door meeting with Prime Minister Modi, underlining the strategic importance of the summit in addressing global challenges.
The Quad, consisting of India, the US, Japan, and Australia, continued its focus on practical cooperation, particularly in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region, a response to China's growing military presence in the area.
Prime Minister Modi shared an encouraging update, announcing that a consensus has been reached on the New Delhi G20 declaration. This declaration, to be adopted by all participating countries, outlines five key focus areas:
1. Strong, Sustainable, Balanced, and Inclusive Growth
2. Accelerating Progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
3. Green Development Pact for a Sustainable Future
4. Multilateral Institutions for the 21st Century
5. Reinvigorating Multilateralism
With these critical themes in mind, the G20 Summit 2023 promises to be a platform for transformative global discussions and cooperation. As leaders gather for dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, the world eagerly awaits the outcomes of this crucial diplomatic event. Stay tuned for more updates as the summit unfolds.
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