The G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit, commonly referred to as P20, is set to convene in New Delhi, with a highlight on the brewing tensions between India and Canada. The summit, scheduled from October 12-14 at the state-of-the-art India International Convention and Expo Centre in Dwarka, anticipates over 350 international delegates, including presiding officers from 25 countries and deputy speakers from G20 nations, among other special attendees.
The summit will officially commence on October 13, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The primary theme, “Parliaments for One Earth, One Family, One Future,” encapsulates critical sessions on public digital transformation, women’s empowerment in development roles, fast-tracking the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and the pursuit of sustainable energy alternatives.
A subplot gaining substantial attention is the tenuous relationship between India and Canada. Senate Speaker Raymonde Gagne, representing Canada, is predicted to face pressing questions. The rift between the nations intensified after Canadian PM Justin Trudeau linked Indian agents to the assassination of a Khalistani separatist leader in British Columbia. Addressing this, Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, expressed that these matters would surface in both formal and informal discussions during the summit.
In the prelude to the P20, the Parliamentary Forum on Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) is slated for October 12. Endorsed by both PM Modi and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, this program underscores sustainable lifestyles anchored in the principles of “reduce, reuse, and recycle.”
Adding to the summit’s richness is the “Mother of Democracy” exhibition, celebrating India’s longstanding and interactive democratic heritage.
The summit will culminate in a joint statement, spotlighting the G20 governments’ imperative role in crafting answers to urgent global challenges while promoting equality, inclusivity, and peace.
Furthermore, delegates will embark on a guided Parliament House Complex tour, concluding with a cultural evening and dinner hosted by the Speaker.
After successfully presiding over the G20, India’s P20 hosting is yet another laurel, emphasising the nation’s commitment to global parliamentary dialogue and its role in shaping the future of democratic discourse.
