External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized India’s growing importance in global affairs on Thursday. Addressing the youth at the G20 University Connect – Engaging Young Minds event at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi to advance India’s G-20 presidency agenda, he stated, “India’s example is becoming increasingly relevant to others.” Whether it’s our last-mile delivery via digital platforms, our approach to Covid, or the transformation to green and clean energy.”
He said, “There are very good reasons why today’s world is taking a much deeper interest in us. The G20 presidency provides an opportunity to share our story with others, particularly those who might be able to apply some of our lessons to their own performance or challenges.” “During our G20 Presidency, we will spotlight LiFE, with its associated, environmentally sustainable and responsible choices, at the level of individual lifestyles as well as national development,” he said, pushing India’s agenda in the G-20.
India proposed the LiFE concept at the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021. The concept promotes an environmentally conscious lifestyle that emphasizes “mindful and deliberate use” rather than “mindless and wasteful consumption.””People who live fundamentally sustainable lifestyles will change the way we do business in the twenty-first century.” “India will seek to be a catalyst for change,” EAM S Jaishankar stated.
With the mission’s launch, the prevalent “use-and-dispose” economy, which is governed by mindless and destructive consumption, will be replaced by a circular economy, which is defined by conscious and deliberate consumption. Jaishankar went on to say that the G20 is a diverse platform that seeks to forge common ground among prominent countries on key issues.
“Our goal is to make that consensus more relevant through a broader consultation process.” “India’s G20 presidency will be consultative, collaborative, and decisive as the mother of democracy,” said the EMA. Jaishankar also emphasized the importance of India becoming the Global South’s voice and expressing their concerns about fuel, food, and fertilizers.
“We, too, are concerned that more pressing issues will divert attention away from sustainable development, climate action, and climate justice,” Jaishankar said.
“Our G20 presidency is taking place at a very critical moment in international affairs,” he said of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict. Apart from the human toll, the Covid pandemic has caused economic and social devastation over the last three years. It has exacerbated developing countries’ financial positions, undermined the pursuit of sustainable development goals, and created a health divide between developed and developing countries. The knock-on effects of the Ukraine conflict, particularly difficulties in the availability and affordability of fuel, food, and fertilizers, were added.”
He urged world leaders to focus on the right issues, particularly those affecting the world’s most vulnerable people. “Our G20 presidency comes at a critical juncture in international affairs.” G-20 is more than just the sum of its participants. The act of holding it has a distinct impact. The world will learn more about India, and our citizens will develop a deeper appreciation for it,” Jaishankar said.
He also discussed the representative and democratic international order, saying, “A representative and democratic international order must press for change, not just in the United Nations, but also in other international institutions.” We must also acknowledge that the current global order does not accurately reflect the state of the world. Institutions and practises that were established 75 years ago continue to dominate global decision-making.”
