‘Taking G-20 to the last mile, leaving none behind
Context :
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – two words that capture a profound philosophy. It implies that “the entire world is one big family.” This is a broad perspective that pushes us to progress as one global family, transcending boundaries, languages, and beliefs. This has translated into a push for human-centric progress during India’s G-20 presidency. We are banding together as One Earth to care for our planet. We support one another in our pursuit of growth as One Family. And we are all moving towards a common future – One Future — which is an indisputable truth in these interconnected times.
What is the Philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam all about?
“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” concept is a Sanskrit term that translates to “the world is one family.” This ancient Indian philosophy reflects a broad worldview that highlights humanity’s connectivity and oneness across geographical, cultural, religious, and ideological divides.
What is the significance of the philosophy in the G20 summit?
- Global Cooperation and Unity: The G20 is a forum of large economies that collectively account for a sizable share of the world’s population and economic production. Adopting the oneness and global family attitude urges member nations to interact and cooperate for the better good of humanity. It supports the notion that one nation’s problems are interconnected with those of others and that solutions should be sought collectively.
- Inclusivity and Empathy: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam advocates for inclusivity and empathy for all nations and their populations. This idea can generate a spirit of understanding and cooperation in the G20 when varied countries with varying degrees of development and interests join together. It urges member countries to address the needs and aspirations of all people, particularly those from developing countries.
- Sustainable Development: The G20 frequently covers global concerns such as sustainable development, climate change, and poverty reduction. The idea of oneness emphasizes shared responsibility for the planet’s and its people’s well-being. It has the potential to motivate member countries to work together to address urgent global issues, such as meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
What are the major changes that were observed in world politics after the covid 19?
- Shift from a GDP-Centric view to a Human-Centric Perspective:
One of the shifts emphasized is the recognition that the world has shifted from a GDP-centric to a human-centric perspective. This means that governments and international organizations are increasingly highlighting the importance of focusing on the well-being and quality of life of individuals and communities rather than relying simply on economic growth as the primary measure of progress. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of addressing public health, social safety nets, and people’s overall well-being.
- The Importance of Resilience and Dependability in Global Supply Networks:
The world has recognized the significance of resilience and dependability in global supply networks. The pandemic’s disruption exposed supply chain weaknesses, prompting a reevaluation of the necessity for resilient and adaptable supply chain infrastructure. This shift has ramifications for global commerce and economic policies.
- A Collective Appeal for Increasing Multilateralism Through Global Institution Reform:
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- A collective appeal for increasing multilateralism through global institution reform. The pandemic highlighted the necessity of international cooperation in addressing global crises, and there is a rising realization of the importance of developing global governance systems to successfully address varied challenges. Reforms in international organizations and strategies to increase their responsiveness and effectiveness are included.
What does Transition to a Human-Centric View mean in the context of G20?
The shift to a “human-centric view” refers to a shift in viewpoint and priorities away from a primary focus on economic statistics such as GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and toward a greater emphasis on individual people’s and communities’ well-being, needs, and ambitions.
- Quality of Life: A human-centric perspective focuses on improving people’s quality of life, which includes issues such as healthcare, education, access to clean water, sanitation, and overall living conditions. It understands that economic progress alone does not ensure a higher standard of living for all citizens.
- Inclusivity: It promotes inclusion, ensuring that growth benefits all elements of society, particularly marginalized and vulnerable communities. This strategy aims to eliminate inequalities and redress gaps in access to critical services and opportunities.
- Human Rights and Dignity: A human-centric perspective emphasizes human rights and dignity. It acknowledges that people have intrinsic rights that must be preserved and upheld regardless of economic circumstances.
- Social safety nets: Human-centric governments frequently invest in social safety nets such as healthcare, education, and social welfare programs to guarantee residents have access to basic services and are protected from economic and social shocks.
- Sustainable Development: This viewpoint recognizes the significance of sustainability, both in terms of environmental conservation and future generations’ ability to meet their needs. It strives to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship to secure a healthy and successful future for everybody.
What is the Global Biofuels Alliance?
The Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) is a G20 effort spearheaded by India. The alliance’s goal is to foster international collaboration and cooperation in order to expedite biofuel development and acceptance. The GBA will concentrate on:
- Markets are getting stronger.
- Increasing global biofuel commerce
- Sharing policy lessons
- Technical assistance for national biofuel schemes
The GBA is likely to be formally unveiled in September during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi. Brazil and the United States, two of the world’s largest biofuels markets, have backed the partnership. The Global Biofuels Alliance will identify global best practices for the development and deployment of sustainable biofuels and bioproducts.
The GBA will also increase global trade and ensure biofuel availability. However, biofuels have recently come under fire since cultivating feedstock for biofuels can devastate forests and grasslands.