Introduction
The G20 Summit, a gathering of leaders from the world’s most influential nations, is set to take place in New Delhi on September 9-10, 2023. The summit will come to a close with the approval of the G20 Leaders’ Declaration. Reaffirming the commitment of participating leaders to the priorities identified throughout various ministerial and working group meetings, as India finishes its year-long presidency. In this article, we will delve into the details of the G20 Summit 2023, focusing on its theme, the world leaders in attendance, the G20 Presidency, and the historical context of the first Summit.
When and Where is the G20 Summit 2023?
This year’s Summit will be held at the newly constructed Bharat Mandapam, an expansive exhibition center strategically located near the iconic India Gate monument, nestled in the heart of New Delhi. Mark your calendars for September 9 and 10, as the world’s most influential leaders gather to address pressing global issues.
The Theme of G20 Summit 2023:
The theme for the G20 Summit 2023 is ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future.’ This theme draws inspiration from the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad, emphasizing the intrinsic value of all life forms, from humans and animals to plants and microorganisms. It highlights their interconnectedness on planet Earth and in the broader cosmos.
Additionally, the theme sheds light on ‘LIFE’ (Lifestyle for Environment), emphasizing environmentally sustainable and responsible choices at both the individual and national levels. With this strategy, we hope to catalyze global changes that will lead to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.
India as the Host of G20 Summit 2023:
India assumes the role of host for the Summit 2023, a significant responsibility that allows the country to shape the group’s agenda for the year. A key component of the G20 dynamics is the choice of the host country, with hosting duties rotating among its members. Moreover India’s tenure as host holds the promise of driving forward key global initiatives and addressing critical challenges.
The G20 Presidency: How is it Decided?
The G20 Summit comprises 19 individual nations and the European Union, collectively representing a significant international consortium. Nearly two-thirds of the world’s population, over 75% of global trade, and about 85% of the world’s GNP are accounted for by these countries.
Five groupings of member countries alternate holding the G20 presidency each year. During a group’s turn, each member country becomes eligible for the presidency; the group’s leadership is decided by talks among eligible members. Furthermore this process ensures a fair distribution of leadership responsibilities among the members.
The G20 chairmanship is a prestigious honor that with weighty obligations. Setting the agenda, holding meetings and the G20 Leaders’ Summit, and providing logistical support are all important responsibilities of the presiding country. In the absence of a permanent secretariat, the host country mobilizes human and material resources to facilitate the forum’s functioning throughout the year. Furthermore, the president extends invitations to guest countries and organizations to participate in G20 processes.
In summary, the G20 presidency is a major honor and responsibility, allowing the host country to shape the workings of the group for a year.
The First Summit of G20: A Historical Perspective
The global financial crisis of 2008 is responsible for the G20’s rise to prominence. During this crisis, France, holding the EU presidency at the time, advocated for an emergency summit to address the escalating economic turmoil.
Moreover The G8, consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the UK, and the US, lacked the collective influence to stabilize the crisis. Hence, the G20 emerged as the fitting solution, representing a broader range of economies and ensuring a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to global governance.
Furthermore the ‘Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy,’ the first G20 Leaders’ Summit, took place in November 2008 in Washington, D.C. It featured the leaders of the 20 member nations, along with key figures from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, the United Nations, Spain, and the Netherlands. Since then, annual summits have become integral to the global agenda, addressing a wide range of economic, social, and environmental issues.
G20 Summit 2023: Leaders in Attendance and Notable Absences
The G20 Summit in New Delhi is anticipated to draw participation from over 40 world leaders, providing a platform for discussions and collaboration on critical global challenges. Let’s take a closer look at the confirmed attendees and notable absences.
Leaders in Attendance:
• The conference will be attended by American Vice President Joe Biden, who will be in India from September 7 to September 10. Discussions focused on cooperatively addressing global challenges, such as the switch to sustainable energy and mitigating climate change, will be the main focus of his visit.
• The White House has stressed that the meetings’ main points include strengthening the capacities of multilateral development banks and reducing the negative economic and social effects of the Ukraine conflict.
• Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council, will represent China at the 18th Summit, according to Mao Ning, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry. This confirmation suggests that Xi Jinping, the president of China, won’t be present at the summit this year in Delhi
• UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to participate in the summit. According to rumors, during a separate bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his visit may include discussions about the UK-India trade negotiations.
• Prime Minister Modi was informed by Russian President Vladimir Putin that he will not be attending the Summit in Delhi.
• The G20 Summit will feature South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, according to the announcement made by Chang Jae Bok, South Korea’s ambassador to India.
Some more information:
• It is official that French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the Summit. It’s anticipated that during his visit, Macron would stay at the Claridges Hotel in New Delhi.
• Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, has indicated that he will attend the Summit.
• Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to India is a part of a larger three-nation tour that also includes Indonesia and the Philippines; during the occasion, Trudeau reaffirmed his commitment to securing international support for Ukraine.
• It has been confirmed that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend the conference. Erdogan will travel to New York to attend the 78th UN General Assembly after the G20 Summit.
• Additionally, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be in attendance at the summit and is reportedly planning to host French President Macron in New Delhi after the summit’s conclusion.
Notable Absences:
While many world leaders will be present at the Summit, some notable absences include Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has not received an invitation to attend. Several countries, such as Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Mexico, Japan, Italy, Germany, Indonesia, Brazil, and Argentina, have not yet confirmed their attendance.
Guest Countries:
Furthermore, the summit will witness the participation of “guest countries,” including the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, and Nigeria. The inclusion of guest countries adds a broader perspective and encourages international collaboration on global challenges.
Conclusion
Therefore the G20 Summit 2023 unfolds in New Delhi, the world will closely watch the outcomes and commitments made by participating countries. From addressing climate change to fostering economic resilience, the summit’s agenda encompasses critical aspects of global governance. In addition to the summit provides possibilities for bilateral and multilateral engagements in addition to the official discussions and meetings, giving leaders a stage to deepen diplomatic connections and consider collaborative projects. Therefore India’s role as the host of the G20 Summit 2023 signifies its growing influence on the global stage and its commitment to shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.
