India’s G-20 Sherpa Calls for UN Reform as G-20 Takes the Lead
India’s G-20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, has expressed the view that the United Nations has become “unwieldy” and “non-functional,” leading to the emergence of the G-20 as the most responsive body in addressing global challenges. During India’s presidency of the G-20, New Delhi has actively brought major global issues to the forefront, demonstrating its commitment to tackling critical challenges, Kant stated on Monday.
Kant highlighted that India has assumed the role of an “agent of change” within the G-20, focusing on achieving consensus on crucial developmental matters. These include climate financing, addressing debt vulnerabilities, making progress on sustainable development goals, and establishing a framework for digital public infrastructure.
In an interview with PTI following the conclusion of the third G-20 Sherpas’ meeting, Kant underscored that the Russian-Ukrainian conflict is confined to a specific region and that India’s presidency has concentrated solely on the developmental agenda and addressing issues affecting the Global South.
The G-20 has gained prominence in recent years as a platform for discussing and resolving global issues due to the perceived ineffectiveness of the United Nations. With its limited scope and cumbersome decision-making processes, the UN has struggled to address pressing challenges faced by the international community. In contrast, the G-20, comprised of the world’s largest economies, has proven to be more responsive and agile in dealing with urgent global concerns.
India’s active engagement as the G-20’s presidency has been instrumental in bringing key issues to the centre stage of global discussions. By actively championing the developmental agenda, India has sought to address the needs and aspirations of developing nations, particularly those in the Global South.
One of the central focus areas during India’s presidency has been climate financing. Recognizing the urgent need to combat climate change and support developing countries in their sustainability efforts, India has aimed to mobilize resources and ensure adequate financial support for climate-related initiatives.
Additionally, India has prioritized addressing debt vulnerabilities, particularly in developing nations. This includes advocating for debt relief, restructuring, and exploring innovative financial mechanisms to ease the burden on countries grappling with high debt levels. By addressing this issue, India aims to foster an environment conducive to sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Sustainable development goals (SDGs) have also been a key area of focus for India’s G-20 presidency. India has aimed to accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs, which encompass various aspects of human development, poverty eradication, healthcare, education, and gender equality. By promoting dialogue and collaboration among G-20 member states, India seeks to foster shared responsibility in achieving these goals.
Furthermore, India has emphasized the importance of digital public infrastructure, recognizing the transformative potential of technology in advancing socio-economic development. India aims to establish a framework that enables countries, particularly in the Global South, to leverage digital infrastructure for inclusive growth, innovation, and improved governance.
While geopolitical tensions and conflicts persist worldwide, India’s presidency of the G-20 has maintained a steadfast focus on the developmental agenda. By prioritizing issues impacting the Global South, India has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that the G-20 remains an inclusive and effective forum for addressing critical challenges.
In conclusion, India’s G-20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, has emphasized the increasing importance of the G-20 in addressing global challenges, especially considering the perceived shortcomings of the United Nations. Through its active engagement and presidency of the G-20, India has strived to be an agent of change, advocating for critical developmental issues such as climate financing, debt vulnerabilities, sustainable development goals, and digital public infrastructure. By championing the concerns of the Global South, India has played a crucial role in shaping the G-20’s agenda and fostering international cooperation on pressing global issues.
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh , 17 July 2023
