The G20 Summit is held once a year and is led by a rotating Presidency. The G20 initially focused mostly on broad macroeconomic concerns, but it has subsequently broadened its agenda to include, among other things, trade, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, and climate change. India has convened the G20 presidency and there are a slew of G20 events at this year’s summit. The key concerns for this year’s G20 summit are:
- Green Development and Climate Finance
- Accelerated, Inclusive and Resilient Growth
- Accelerating Progress on SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), etc.
Climate financing has long been a topic of discussion among G20 members. Developed nations have fallen short of their 2009 pledge to channel $100 billion per year to developing countries by 2020 to assist them in mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change.
India has become a vocal supporter of climate justice. It has expressed worry at numerous international forums that increased climate commitments have resulted in an inadequate rise in financial flows to nations in the global south, which are most exposed to extreme weather induced by climate change. The G20 presidency of India provides a chance to guide the meeting towards stronger collaboration on catalysing climate financing. Climate change has always been a broader spectrum for the entirety of our planet and G20 advocated it very effectively this year.
Currently, G20 is being conducted in Goa this month. The 2nd Health Working Group (HWG) meeting during India’s current G20 presidency is scheduled to be in Goa. More than 180 representatives from 19 G20 member countries, 10 invited countries, and 22 international organisations will attend the event.
The session will have thematic discussions around three priorities that have been identified under the G20 India Health Track. These are –
1: Prevention, Preparedness, and Response to Health Emergencies.
2: Strengthening Pharmaceutical Sector Cooperation with a Focus on Access and Availability of Safe, Effective, Quality, and Affordable Medical Countermeasures.
3: Digital Health Innovations and Solutions to Improve Healthcare Service Delivery.
The festival will also include a variety of cultural performances and presentations highlighting Goan culture in all its elements and relevance. These cultural programmes attempt to provide a taste of India’s rich variety and culture through the Indian concept of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’.
