Amitabh Kant, the G20 sherpa, said on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be defining the agenda of the globe in very difficult times, calling it one of the “most memorable days” in the history of the nation.
In New Delhi’s Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, Kant spoke at the G20 University Connect: Engaging Young Minds event.
“Today is one of the most memorable days in the history of India as it takes over the Presidency of the G20. It’s a unique responsibility because the G20 accounts for 80 percent of the global GDP. Its accounts for 78 percent of global trade. It accounts for 90 percent of the patents and almost 2/3 of the population,” he said.
“As the G20 President, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be setting the agenda of the world. And this is a huge responsibility because we are taking over this at a very challenging time in the world,” he added.
Kant noted that India is taking over the G-20 presidency at a very challenging time. “There is a geopolitical crisis, there is a crisis of climate finance and climate action. 70 countries are facing a global debt crisis. And as a consequence of COVID, 200 million people have gone below the poverty line,” he said.
In order to emphasise the significance of the youthful population, Kant stated that young Indians will play a crucial and essential role during India’s G-20 Presidency.
Students and prominent academics from 75 universities across the nation participated virtually in this G20 University Connect with senior leaders, intellectuals, and academicians.
Speaking at the same event, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, the G20’s India Coordinator, described the occasion as a “giant national event” that offers a chance to highlight the nation’s rich cultural legacy and variety, tourism potential, and development prowess.
“India’s G20 presidency is a mega national event. Let us come together and participate in it, immerse ourselves in it, and propagate it so that it becomes etched into our memories for all time to come,” he said.
During his speech, Shringla said the country’s G20 presidency is both a unique opportunity and a profound responsibility for all Indians.
“Indians have a unique opportunity in the G20 presidency and a profound responsibility to showcase our rich cultural heritage and diversity, tourism potential, and development prowess so that the world drives values from its interactions with us,” he said.