G20 Presidency, Challenges and Opportunities
By: Gh. Hassan Bhat
The Group of 20 is an intergovernmental forum of 19 countries plus one European Union which is itself a union of 27 countries. Currently G20 account for more than 80% of worlds GDP, 75% of global trade and 60% of planet population. This large organization was formed in 1999 to mainly discuss policies and strategies for resolving global and financial crises. It was raised to summit level in 2008 on permanent basis.
G20 membership: it is composed of world’s largest economies both industrialized and developing countries. Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, S. Africa, Turkiyae, UK, USA and European Union.
Aim and Works: This large premier forum plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues, climate change mitigation and sustainable development, health, agriculture, anti-corruption etc.
India’s Presidency: India is currently part of TROIKA comprising INDONESIA, INDIA AND BRAZIL all developing nations. On 1st Dec 2022 to Nov 30 2023 India takes over the Presidency of G20 in Bali Indonesia. It is indeed a proud movement for India and its residents. All the preparations are underway. Almost 200 meetings shall be taking place across the country from Dec 2022 with the first meeting which was held in Odipur Rajasthan and this whole process would culminate in Nov 2023 in New Dehli. Notably on this occasion India is inviting different guest countries like Netherlands, Spain, Egypt, UAE, Nigeria, Oman, Bangladesh, Mauritius and Singapore.
In addition to this about 14 multilateral organizations including WTO, IMF, ISA, ASEAN, ILO etc. India has released its Logo which mainly draws its inspiration from the vibrant and jubilant colors of Indian Nation Flag (Saffron, White, Green and Blue). It juxtaposes planet earth with a Lotus Indian National flower that represents hope, growth etc. The theme of G20 2023 is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” means “One Earth, One Family and One Future” sets the tone for different India’s agenda for the 2023 G20.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Opportunities: 1. G20 provides global stage:- The presidency of G20 shall be biggest portrayals of India’s rise at the global stage. Undoubtedly she will again rise as a strategic global player in terms of various issues world is facing contemporary.
- Voice of Underdeveloped Asia and Africa: India already positioned itself as a global voice for both the continents, it will tactfully highlight the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, Cross border terrorism, Armernia and Azerbaijan, middle east crises etc.
- Act as Interlocutor between Russia and West: India would act as South Asian Interlocutor in bringing Russia and Western leaders together and would try to soothe the bloodshed in UKRAINE, if it manages to do so, it will be a diplomatic win for India and for G20 members.
- Combating China: Hoisting G20 has a biggest opportunity to pressurize China amid border crises particularly in Arunachal Pradesh and Galvan Ladakh. It will be encouraging if both the courtiers settle all disputes through negotiation through G20 platform.
- Employment and Climate change: G20 can act as a form to exchange experience and societal benefits and growth as India as already its initiatives like “Life Movement and “The One Sun One World One Grid” etc.
- Various opportunities around science and technology and other sectors like Agriculture etc.
Challenges:
- Climate change: Funding issues for developing countries to mitigate climate change has been a core issue amongst the Developed Countries and is indeed a challenge to persuade developed countries in this regard.
- China Aggression in the South China Sea and On an Indian borders and future strategy with respect to China and Chinese inclination towards Pakistan and Russia’s close relationship with China.
- Easing tension between Russia and Western Countries especially USA and UK.
India’s presidency of this G20 event is an opportunity to reinvigorate, reinvent and re-centre the multilateral order. This is the time to show the world a new path of development and create a future for multilateralism. As Hon’ble Prime Minster has already said that it is huge opportunity for India and accordingly, we should channelize all our efforts and utilize this opportunity by focusing on global good and welfare.
The writer is a Govt. Teacher. [email protected]
