India takes charge of G-20 presidency

Bali: At the conclusion of the two-day G-20 Summit with the adoption of the Bali Declaration today,  India took charge of G-20 presidency at a time when, in the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the world was “simultaneously grappling with geopolitical tensions, economic slowdown, rising food and energy prices, and the long-term ill-effects of the pandemic”.

At such a time, when the world is looking at the G-20 with “hope”, Modi assured the world community that India’s G-20 presidency will be inclusive, ambitious, decisive, and action-oriented. He said India will “strive” to take forward Indonesia’s “commendable initiatives” during its G-20 presidency. “It is a very auspicious coincidence for India that we are assuming the responsibility of G-20 Presidency in this holy island of Bali. India and Bali have an age old relationship,” he said.

Global Bihari Stressing that the G-20 has to convey a strong message in favour of peace and harmony, the Indian Prime Minister said over the next one year, India will strive to ensure that the G-20 acts as a global prime mover to envision new ideas and accelerate collective action. He stressed that during its G-20 presidency next year, India will work jointly with G-20 partners towards bringing digital transformation into the life of every human being, so that no person in the world will be deprived of the benefits of digital technology. He said the principle of “Data for development” will be an integral part of the overall theme of India’s presidency “One Earth, One Family, One Future”.

“The sense of ownership over natural resources is giving rise to conflict today and has become the main cause of the plight of the environment. For the safe future of the planet, the sense of trusteeship is the solution. LiFE i.e. ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ campaign can make a big contribution to this. Its purpose is to make sustainable lifestyles a mass movement,” he said.

During its presidency, the G-20 meetings will be organised in different Indian cities and states. “Our guests will get a full experience of India’s amazing diversity, inclusive traditions, and cultural richness. We wish that all of you will participate in this unique celebration in India, the ‘Mother of Democracy’. Together, we will make the G-20, a catalyst for global change,” Modi said.

– global bihari bureau