G20

The country was effective in insulating the forum from geopolitical turbulence, making it more representative, placing the spotlight on the Global South and crafting a comprehensive blueprint of global solutions.

Consecutive G20 presidencies – Indonesia, India and Brazil – indicate Global South’s expanding influence but it may bring in problems of diluting existing targets for global action at local levels.

Can the ongoing ‘Act East Policy’ to bring the Northeast closer to the economic powerhouses of the Asia Pacific be further strengthened by India’s G20 leadership?

The 18th G20 Leaders’ Summit, led by India, concluded with the New Delhi Declaration. Amidst the Ukraine war and US-China tensions, uncertainty loomed over G20 consensus. India's diplomacy shone as G20 leaders aligned, keeping the forum relevant. However, the focus remains on the content of the consensus and its impact on global issues.

The G20 Summit in New Delhi has been rated as a crucial milestone in the journey of this forum since 2008. The essay examines the larger context in which the summit was held; the challenges India as its President faced; and the outcomes of the summit. The evaluation is undertaken from the perspective of geopolitics, unveiling the summit's seven special features and their impact. The author argues that on the triad of consensus, additionality, and implementation, the summit was a clear political and diplomatic success. However, deepening polarisation and the war in West Asia raise serious concerns about stability, peace, and prosperity in the world.

Environmental and social justice researcher Bhargavi S.Rao on noticeable absence of intelligentia, academia, scientific community, independent media, and gender considerations at C20 discussions.

Environmentalist Ashish Kothari on the global group’s impact – or lack of it – on sustainable development.

G20’s think tank engagement group in its role has been able to navigate effectively on most issues, especially amplifying the voice of developing nations.

The G20 Presidency rotation among middle income countries is expected to give a voice to poor nations. The Finance Track aims to address debt crises and climate finance gaps, but obstacles from developed nations have led India's Presidency to focus on softer options.

As India assumes the Presidency of G20, Harsh Jaitli, CEO of Voluntary Action Network of India (VANI), a national network of Indian voluntary development organisations, speaks at length about the importance of having a robust C20 platform in an interview with Shalini Yog Shah.

Creating a roadmap for sustainable food production and renewable energy systems for the world is one of the most important tasks before the Indian Presidency.

It’s time for the country to showcase its leadership potential in international arena.

Towards sustainable development needs of the Global South and dialogue on pending macro issues.

In a polarised world, the country can leverage itself as the “voice of the Global South”, effectively connecting the South to the Global North.

Hosting G20 Presidency in 2023 is a fitting aspiration and a welcome challenge for India. A major economy and a developing country with a mature democracy, heading into its 76th year of its independence, India has the unique opportunity to set ‘Agenda 2023’ with a focus on equitable green and resilient recovery.

The Pandemic and post pandemic phase will be testing for the G20. With India holding the G20 in 2022, it will be for the Indian leadership to deliver on the aspirations of a range of stakeholders invested in development initiatives. Indian Civil Society will be mobilizing itself to interact with the Government of India to submit recommendations through Civil 20, a unique platform and one of the many engagement groups of the G20. It is for India to rise to the occasion and provide the wherewithal for Civil Society to flourish. Heinrich Boell Stiftung’s partner organization VANI has published three reports highlighting the role and urging for a stronger engagement of Civil Society as part of debates around G20.