India’s G20 Presidency sought to bridge global divides with sustainable unity
In a poignant ceremony marking the environmental initiatives of India’s G20 presidency, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar delivered a significant address at the G20 Tree Plantation event held at Nehru Park in New Delhi’s Chanakyapuri on Monday (October 23, 2023).
 
The event drew inspiration from the theme of India’s G20 Presidency, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - One Earth, One Family, One Future’, emphasizing an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable approach to growth. Reflecting the ethos of Indian culture, the theme also aligns with the message of Mission LiFE, establishing the importance of sustainable lifestyles and conscientious consumption for the well-being of our planet.
 
In the backdrop of global diplomatic tensions, EAM Jaishankar’s recounting of his experiences during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York last month was particularly insightful. During his speech, he emphasized that the achievements and efforts of the G20 had not just made headlines but had become a focal point of deliberations among global leaders and representatives.
 
The G20, originally formed as a response to the 2008 global financial crises, has since evolved to address a broader range of global challenges, encompassing economic issues and beyond. EAM Jaishankar noted that during the various sessions and side meetings at the UNGA, several international stakeholders and diplomats expressed their surprise at the G20's adeptness.
 
“About three weeks ago, I was in New York for what's the annual gathering of diplomacy in the United Nations General Assembly. And I must share with you that the G20 was very much the subject of conversation. A lot of people were still a little surprised that the G20 could bridge what were strong positions and deep divides,” he remarked.
 
One pivotal achievement that drew global commendation, as EAM Jaishankar highlighted, was the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20. This was not just a symbolic gesture but a monumental stride in ensuring that voices from the African continent, which is often underrepresented in global decision-making platforms, are consistently heard and integrated. The inclusion of the African Union is seen by many as a significant step towards a more inclusive and representative G20, signifying the body's commitment to ensuring that all regions of the world have a seat at the table.
 
"There was a sense in global diplomacy that this G20 actually delivered very substantively on what were the most pressing issues of the day. That's the way the world saw it," EAM Jaishankar conveyed.
 
In a world riddled with political complexity and uncertainty, the remarks made by the External Affairs Minister (EAM) on the achievements of the G20 summit provided a much-needed perspective on international collaboration. EAM Jaishankar highlighted two standout accomplishments that held significant ramifications for both global diplomacy and India's increasing role in it.
 
“One, that in the totality of global diplomacy at a very difficult time in international politics, actually, G20 was a big plus on the positive side of the global ledger. And the second, that it has made a country, a society which is today the fifth largest economy, which in many ways is globalizing at a very rapid rate, it has made this society far more connected with the rest of the world,” he remarked.
 
EAM Jaishankar cited significant takeaways from the summit, which included the action plan for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Green Development Pact, the message of women-led development and the LiFE mission. “The G20 summit illuminated a strong sustainability, green, and Global South image. We envision this G20 to be remembered as a green, sustainable, and future-focused G20,” the Minister stated.
 
The tree-planting ceremony saw envoys and representatives of G20 members and international organizations planting saplings that hold national significance or local Indian saplings. EAM Jaishankar, along with Union Minister Hardeep Puri, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, and India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, planted a Banyan sapling.
 
The Banyan, often referred to as the "Tree of Life", stands as a potent emblem of longevity, resilience, and interconnectedness. Its sprawling roots and expansive canopy mirror the intricate webs of life, suggesting themes of unity, shelter, and endurance. The act of planting this particular tree was not a mere environmental gesture, but rather a profound symbolic act that intertwined India's age-old reverence for nature with its contemporary commitments to sustainability and global cooperation.
 
In conclusion, EAM Jaishankar extended his gratitude to all G20 members and international organizations. Expressing personal fondness for Nehru Park, he hoped the G20 trees would stand as a testament to the summit's achievements for years to come.
 
The 2023 G20 Summit, held at the Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition-Convention Centre in Pragati Maidan, achieved remarkable milestones. Notably, the New Delhi Declaration, with a 100% consensus and unanimous approval of all its paragraphs, marked a historic achievement, showcasing no footnotes or Chair's Summary.