PM Modi Passes G20 Chair to Brazil, Suggests Virtual Session in November
PM Modi Hands Over G20 Chairmanship to Brazil’s President Lula da Silva
In a significant development on the final day of the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi passed on the G20 chairmanship to Brazil’s President Lula da Silva. During the summit, PM Modi announced the conclusion of the session and highlighted the evolving global landscape, emphasizing the need for changes in international organizations. He stated, “The world is changing, and global institutions must also adapt. Currently, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) consists of the same members as its inception. It is essential to increase the representation of permanent members, taking into account the changing demographics of nations.”
Proposal for Virtual Session in November
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also revealed that India would host the G20 Summit from November 2023 onwards. He stated that during these two days, many suggestions and proposals were made, and it is imperative that we swiftly act on the progress made. He encouraged attendees to provide feedback and review the topics discussed during the virtual session that will be organized in November. PM Modi expressed hope that all members would actively participate in this virtual session to deliberate on the matters discussed during the G20 Summit.
Brazil’s President Calls for Addressing Inequality
Upon assuming the G20 chairmanship for the year 2024, Brazil’s President Lula da Silva delivered remarks, emphasizing the need to combat inequality. He acknowledged the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and his significance in today’s world. President Lula da Silva stated, “We live in a world where wealth is concentrated, where millions still go hungry, and where sustainable development remains at risk. We must confront inequality head-on. Income inequality, healthcare access, education, food security, gender and diversity, and representation are all part of the inequality we must address. These three priorities will guide Brazil’s G20 agenda.”
- Social justice and the fight against hunger.
- Sustainable development.
- Reforming global institutions.
The G-20 summit’s second day saw the commencement of the forest session in the Mandapam of India. This is the third session of the G-20 summit. In this session, leaders of the G-20 nations delivered speeches during the Forest Family Session. The summit began with a farewell to Prime Minister Modi by the Presidents of Brazil and Indonesia, who left after the inauguration. Meanwhile, US President Biden embarked on a trip to Vietnam. Before the start of the G-20 summit, the leaders of G-20 nations paid their respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, where they also heard his favorite devotional song, “Vaishnava Jana To.”
Prime Minister Modi welcomed all the leaders in traditional Indian attire. PM Modi provided information to all the leaders about Rajghat. Additionally, the leaders learned about Mahatma Gandhi’s story through a backdrop at Sabarmati Ashram. Rishi Sunak visited the Delhi Akshardham Temple from where they proceeded directly to Rajghat to pay their respects. During their visit, they performed the “Pushpanjali” (offering of flowers) at Rajghat. Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite devotional song will also be performed live here.
Foreign Dignitaries Arrive At Rajghat
To pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, foreign leaders, including British PM Rishi Sunak, US President Joe Biden, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, South Korean President, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, Australian PM, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, Spanish Deputy PM Nadia Calviño, Mauritius PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Oman’s Deputy PM Asad Bin Tariq Bin Taimur Al Said, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, are included.
On the first day of the summit, discussions took place on various issues. Following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the G-20’s first joint declaration statement was presented. Apart from this, a significant economic corridor deal was signed among India, Europe, and the Middle East. After this, all the dignitaries attended a dinner hosted by India. Many foreign guests were seen in traditional Indian attire. Rajghat has been decorated with flowers. At Rajghat, the leaders of the G-20 nations and other international organizations will pay their respects to Mahatma Gandhi and offer floral tributes. Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite devotional song will also be performed live at the event.
“Rishi Sunak’s Desire to Visit Akshardham Temple”
Delhi Akshardham Temple’s Director, JM Dave, had revealed that British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his wish to visit our temple. Please inform us of the suitable time. He mentioned that whenever he has the opportunity, he will come. He said that he wants to visit our temple. Just this morning, they arrived at the temple, and he participated in the temple’s ritual. They met the saints. They offered flowers to all the deities. His wife also worshipped. Rishi Sunak said, “Whenever I get the chance, I will keep coming.” He spent his valuable time in the main temple. He removed his shoes outside the temple and proceeded with bare feet. We felt that they are very close to Sanatan.
“New Delhi Declaration Approved on Saturday”
At the beginning of the second session on Saturday, Prime Minister Modi announced the New Delhi Declaration with the consensus of all member countries. After the declaration, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar stated that all countries have accepted the New Delhi Declaration. All leaders have agreed that there is no platform for discussing political issues at the G20. The declaration mentions the Ukraine conflict four times. Jaishankar was also questioned about terrorism and the inclusion of the African Union in the G20. On this, the Foreign Minister said that every country has the right to participate at their own level. China has given strong support in this regard.
“37-Page Declaration, Including 83 Paragraphs”
Nirmala Sitharaman, the Finance Minister, said, “We have received leadership at a critical time.” The G20 Joint Declaration consists of 37 pages. It contains 83 paragraphs. Here, a brief overview of the main points…
- All countries will work on Sustainable Development Goals.
- India will lead the World Future Alliance at the top.
- All countries should work according to the rules of the UN Charter.
- The Biofuel Alliance will be established, with founding members India, the United States, and Brazil.
- One Earth, One Family, One Future will be emphasized.
- Multilateral development banking will be strengthened.
- Focus will be on priorities of Global South.
- A global policy on cryptocurrencies will be developed.
- India has insisted on creating a common template for improving the loan system.
- Work will be done on Green and Low Carbon Energy Technology.
- All countries have vaccinated against all kinds of terrorism.
