A G20 Summit for the ages

The G20 Summit, which concluded in New Delhi on Sept. 10, marked an unprecedented success with 100 per cent consensus by global leaders on the landmark #NewDelhiLeadersDeclaration.

India has had the presidency of the G20 since Dec. 1, 2022, when it took over from Indonesia, and will continue to hold the position until Nov. 30

With over 200 meetings held in 60 cities across the country since India assumed the Presidency, the results were equally significant – an impressive 112 outcomes and annexed documents emerged from the summit, nearly two-and-a-half times more than earlier presidencies.

Paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi

Prime Minister Modi welcomed G20 leaders and other heads of international organisations to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. The Prime Minister observed that Mahatma Gandhi is a beacon of peace, service, compassion, and non-violence, adding that as diverse nations converge “Gandhiji’s timeless ideals guide our collective vision for a harmonious, inclusive, and prosperous global future.” Read more.

From the Global Village to a Global Family

The third session of the Summit was on ‘One Future’ – the third pillar of India’s theme, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future.’ Prime Minister Modi underlined the need to look beyond the idea of a Global Village and make the vision of Global Family a reality.

He observed: “Simply having a GDP-centric approach is outdated. Time has come to adopt a human centric vision of progress. India has been making several efforts in this regard, particularly in areas relating to data and technology. We must do whatever we can to use AI for socio-economic development.”

The Prime Minister added: “As we pursue our development trajectories, we must keep our focus on sustainability and stability. This will ensure empowerment of the marginalised.”

Passing the ceremonial gavel

At the closing ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over the ceremonial gavel of the presidency to Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The Prime Minister also received a sapling from Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, representing the G20 presidencies of last year and the next year.

Prime Minister Modi said: “We had wide-ranging discussions in the 'One Earth, One Family' sessions. I am satisfied that today the G20 has become a platform for optimistic efforts regarding the vision of One Earth, One Family, One Future.”

He added: “"It is our duty that the suggestions we have received be reviewed once again so as to see how their progress can be sped up. I propose that at the end of November, we hold a virtual session of G20. I hope you all will connect in the virtual session.” Read more

Prime Minister also engaged in a series of bilateral discussions with world leaders including a productive lunch meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, where the two leaders discussed ways to to ensuring India-France relations scale new heights of progress.

India successfully showcased how its theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The World is One Family) is not merely a choice, but a necessity if countries have to work together for a brighter, greener and more inclusive society.

As an expert observed: “Events attain momentous significance when, through their influence, they alter the trajectory of history and leave a discernible imprint on its course. Undeniably, the 18th G20 Summit, with India's Presidency, qualifies as one such momentous event in India’s remarkably progressive developmental march.”