Thru’ the Desk of the Editor
The Group of Twenty (G20) brings together world’s major advanced and emerging economies. The G20 members represent around 85% of global GDP, over 75% of global trade and about two-thirds of world population. The theme of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ of G20 2023, under Presidency of India was very apt, as it signaled need of purpose and unity of action of all member countries for better future of the world.
One Earth
India is a land of diversity of faith, spirituality and traditions; home to different ethnicities, languages, cultures, each with its own unique set of customs, traditions and beliefs, coexist in harmony, reflecting traditional adage of ‘unity in diversity’.
The heterogeneous nature of India is perfectly exemplified in form of Festivals. People of India relish a diverse array of festivals which are celebrated wholeheartedly by Indian population ranging from Diwali, Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Dasara, Eid, Christmas. The varied festivals not only reveal religious diversity but also cultural amalgamation, existing in India.
Religion in India is characterised by a diversity of religious beliefs and practices. Throughout India’s history, religion has been an important part of country’s culture and Indian subcontinent is birthplace of four of world’s major religions, namely, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism. Every religion of the world has found respect here. Constitution of India has declared right to freedom of religion to be a fundamental right and Preamble to Constitution of India states that India is a secular state. Secularism is a basic structure doctrine of the Constitution which cannot be amended or removed by any means.
India believes in dialogue and democratic principles. India’s global conduct is rooted in fundamental principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which means ‘world is one family’. Asserting that India is indeed ‘Mother of Democracy’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that democracy refers not just to a structure but also spirit of equality. Prime Minister Modi claimed that Mahabharata, Vedas and historical references prove that non-hereditary rulers first existed in India. The idea of elected leaders was common feature in ancient India, long before rest of the world. In Mahabharata, first duty of citizens is described as choosing their own leader. Vedas dated much earlier speak of political power being exercised by broad-based consultative bodies. The very notion of considering ‘world as one family’ also connects every Indian with sense of responsibility on ‘One Earth’.
The environmental crises that we face today from climate change to deforestation and loss of biodiversity are testament to our collective negligence. ‘One Earth’ is the call for collective action. Environmental protection is not just local or national concern but global imperative. In spirit of ‘One Earth’ and understanding that issue of climate change cuts across industry, society and sectors, concept of Lifestyle for Environment Mission (LiFE) was introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP-26 in Glasgow on 1st November 2021, calling upon global community of individuals and institutions to drive LiFE as a behaviour-based international mass movement that draws from India's rich, ancient sustainable traditions to nudge consumers and in-turn markets, to adopt environmentally-conscious practices towards mindful and deliberate utilisation, instead of mindless and destructive consumption, to protect and preserve the environment. Environmental degradations and climate change are global phenomenon where actions in one part of the world impact ecosystems and populations across the globe. If requisite action is not taken against changing environment, approximately 3 billion people could experience chronic water scarcity. The global economy could lose up to 18 % of GDP by 2050. In line with this spirit, India launched ‘Green Grids Initiative – One Sun, One World, One Grid’ at COP-26. India stands among countries where large scale solar revolution is underway. Millions of Indian farmers have adopted and embraced natural farming, which is major campaign to protect human health as well as health of the soil and Earth. India has launched ‘National Green Hydrogen Mission’ to boost green hydrogen production and has taken significant steps to create a Global Hydrogen Ecosystem.
Energy transition is significant need today in 21st century world. Trillions of dollars are required for an inclusive energy transition. Developed countries need to take a lead in this. Developed countries have expressed their willingness to fulfil their commitment of 100 billion dollars for climate finance for first time, which all countries of Global South, along with India, are pleased to note. G20 has reaffirmed its commitments to sustainable and green growth by adopting ‘Green Development Pact’. All countries need to work together in field of fuel blending. India’s proposal is to take an initiative at global level to take ethanol blending in petrol up to 20 percent.
Carbon credit emphasises what should not be done. Positive steps to be taken are not receiving attention. Green Credit is way forward and G20 should work on Green Credit Initiative. India’s Moon Mission, Chandrayaan has been a success. Data obtained from Chandrayaan will be beneficial for all of humanity. India proposes to launch G20 Satellite Mission for Environment and Climate Observation and climate and weather data obtained from this would be shared with all countries, especially countries of Global South.
One Family
In ancient Vedas, which were composed thousands of years ago, it is said “एको अहम बहुस्याम!” This means I am one; let me become many. We need to move from “I” to “we” for creation, innovation, and viable solutions. “I” to “We” means thinking of whole from self. It means well- being of ‘us’ rather than just “me”. India needs to connect with every country, every society and every region of the world. This is essence of ‘One Family’ concept. Just as every family has its own support system, we need to build a global support system together. When we think of ‘One Family’, we also keep in mind how to empower each member. It is in this spirit that India wants to share its every experience with its huge global family. India can foreground its belief in human-centric approach to technology, and facilitate greater knowledge-sharing in priority areas like digital public infrastructure, financial inclusion and tech-enabled development. India’s young talent is also for global good, in form of ‘One Family’. India has large and young skilled talent pool, which is very crucial for sustaining global growth.
Huge challenge was experienced by Global Family during Covid-19, when global supply chains built over decades were completely disrupted. Global supply chains need to be built that promote trust and transparency, under concept of One Family. This is our collective responsibility. Humane and sensitive approach with long term perspective is necessary not viewing countries only as markets. India needs to take lead proposing mapping framework for strengthening existing supply chains. To make global supply chain inclusive, we must acknowledge role of small businesses and provide them access to markets and information.
Debt crisis faced by developing countries needs to be addressed with sensitivity, establishing system that allows countries in crisis to overcome it and avoid same in future.
One Family approach is needed for “Holistic Health and Wellness” system. WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine, establishing in India will strengthen promotion of wellness worldwide.
Today women are seen in leadership role in every sector in India. Approximately 45% of STEM (Science, Technolgy, Engineering, Mathematics) graduates in India are women. Many critical missions in India’s space programme are being handled by female scientists. Around 90 million women in rural India are taking forward small businesses by joining self-help groups. Women-led Development will be significant driver of change and growth in 21st century.
The 21st century is an important time to show the world a new direction. This is the time when old problems are seeking new solutions from us and that is why we need to move ahead together fulfilling our responsibilities with a human-centric approach. The mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” can be torch bearer for us. Be it divide between North and South, distance between East and West, Management of fuel and food, terrorism, cyber security, health, energy or water security, we will have to find solid solution to this for future generations.
One Future
Multilateralism is in crisis today. The architecture of global governance of United Nations created after Second World War was to prevent future wars by balancing competing interests and also to foster international cooperation on issues of common interests. In last few years, financial crisis, climate change, pandemic, terrorism, wars, show that global governance has failed in both mandates. Tragic consequences of both are faced by developing countries. We are at risk today of moving back on Sustainable Development Goals. Many developing countries are struggling with unsustainable debt while trying to ensure food security and energy security for their people. They are also more affected by global warming. It is important that global systems are in sync with realities of present. United Nations Security Council is an example of this. United Nations when it was formed had 51 members. Today there are over 200 members. Despite that permanent members of Security Council are same. From then till now world has changed a lot. These new realities must be reflected in new global structure. It is law of nature that individuals and organisations that fail to adapt to changing times lose their relevance. It is necessary for every global organisation, including United Nations to reform to increase its relevance. Aim of India is to press for reformed multilateralism that creates more accountable, inclusive, equitable and representative multipolar international system fit to address challenges in 21st century. Hence, G20 took historic decision to make African Union a permanent member of G20.
We are discussing a future where not only interests of countries are intertwined but also hearts are interconnected, transcending concept of Global Village, witnessing Global Family becoming a reality, where Human-centric vision instead of GDP-centric vision is needed. Today many countries like India have so much that they are sharing with entire world. India has talked of sharing data of Chandrayaan Mission with everyone in interest of humanity. This is proof of India’s commitment towards Human-centric Growth.
India has harnessed technology to foster inclusive development and facilitate last mile delivery. Digital payments are being used by small-scale businesses in remote areas of India. In India strong framework for Digital Public Infrastructure has been agreed upon. There is scale and speed in new generation technology. Framework for Responsible Human-centric AI Governance should be worked out and all countries should get benefit of AI in areas like socio-economic development, global workforce, and R & D.
Challenges of crypto-currency mean that we need to develop global standards for crypto-currency. Making cyber-security one of critical issue for security and prosperity of every country is a must. Terrorism is exploiting new channels and new funding methods. Only when security and sensitivity of every country is taken care, feeling of One Future will be strengthened.
Not only transformation but sustainability and stability are also needed in a world marked by rapid changes. Green Development Pact, Action Plan on SDGs, High-level principles on anti- corruption, Digital public infrastructure need to be taken to fruition.
India's G20 Presidency was a watershed moment as the country seeked to play an important role by finding pragmatic global solutions for wellbeing of all and manifest the true spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' or 'World is One Family'.
Articles in this edition of the Journal examine various dimensions of Diplomacy and Security related issues.
