INDIA HOSTS THE 18TH G20 SUMMIT.

-Riya Gautam

G20 is a premier forum for international economic cooperation. “Vasudev Kutumbkam” which literally translates to "One Earth One Family One Future" is the theme of India's G20 Presidency in 2023.

On 22nd November Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi hosted a virtual G20 summit which was attended by the likes of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, where he emphasized the importance of making artificial intelligence accessible to all while ensuring its safety for society. The declaration stipulated with regard to artificial intelligence and the need to address responsible AI development, deployment, use, the protection of Human Rights, transparency and explainability, accountability, regulation, safety, appropriate human oversight, ethics, privacy, etc. The 18th G20 Summit guidelines call for users and developers of AI to be fair and accountable while making careful progress and developments such that the rule of law and values such as privacy, equality, diversity, and internationally recognized labor rights are not violated. PM Modi also stressed the involvement of the countries taking part in G20 in striking the correct balance between the opportunities and challenges put forward by digital technology, which could help in increasing access to education and adapting to future needs. He urged all the dignitaries to illuminate a path for increased research collaborations as artificial technology offers great potential in the field of learning, skilling, and education, making youth ready for the fast-paced lives that await them.

G20 Leaders adopted a Green Development Pact where the implementation of sustainable development goals was emphasized. Under India's G20 Presidency, the grouping manages to make significant forward movement in areas of digital public infrastructure, climate, finance, clean energy, and ensuring sustainable development.

G20 India had put forth six agenda priorities for the G20 dialogue in 2023. These include- Green development, climate finance, and LiFE; Accelerated, inclusive, and resilient growth; Accelerated progress on SDGs; Technological transformation on digital public infrastructure; Multilateral Institutions for the 21st century and women-led development.

Among other significant developments in the Science and Technology Sector, a new organization called the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) was launched to promote the development and adoption of Sustainable biofuels and set relevant standards and certification for the same. Also, a group of countries made a joint agreement to build a rail and shipping corridor linking India with the Middle East and Europe called the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. This group of countries includes India, Saudi Arabia, The United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Israel, and the European Union.

A two-day science Summit (S20) was also successfully concluded in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, which was a significant International gathering of scientific academies of G20 members, invited countries and international organizations that focused on addressing social challenges and creating science-driven solutions to promote sustainable development.

In an interview on 26th August 2023, Prime Minister Modi expressed optimism about G20 countries' evolving agenda under India's leadership shifting towards a human-centric development approach in alignment with the concerns of the Global South, such as climate change, debt reconstructing through G20's common Framework for Debt, and a strategy for regulation of global cryptocurrencies.