G20 & Youth
By: Setu Partiwala
The G20 is a group of twenty of the world’s largest economies, including the United States, China, Japan, Germany, and India, among others. The G20 represents over two-thirds of the world’s population and more than 80% of the global GDP. The group was established in 1999 to promote international economic cooperation and coordination, and since then, it has evolved into a key forum for discussing global challenges and shaping the global economic agenda.
In recent years, the role of youth in the G20 has become increasingly important. The Y20, which is the G20’s official youth engagement group, was launched in 2010 to provide a platform for young people to share their ideas, perspectives, and recommendations with G20 leaders. The Y20 operates independently of the G20, but its recommendations are to be presented to the G20 leaders for consideration.
The role of youth in the G20 has been significant for several reasons. Firstly, young people are the future leaders and innovators of the global economy, and their perspectives and insights are valuable in shaping policies that affect their lives. Secondly, youth engagement in the G20 promotes greater inclusivity and diversity in the global economic governance system, which is crucial for ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared more equitably across societies.
India is one of the G20 members that has been actively involved in youth engagement initiatives. India has the world’s fifth-largest economy and is the most populous country, with a large and diverse youth population. In recent years, Indian youth has become increasingly involved in the Y20 and the G20, submitting policy recommendations on issues such as education, climate change, and employment.
For example, the Y20 2020 summit, which was hosted by Saudi Arabia, featured an Indian delegation that included representatives from civil society, academia, and the private sector. The Indian delegation presented several policy recommendations, including the establishment of a “Green Marshall Plan” to support climate action and the development of a “Skills Passport” to enhance employment opportunities for young people.
In 2020, the G20 held a youth dialogue on the theme of “Realising Opportunities of the 21st Century for All.” The Indian delegation presented recommendations on issues such as education, health, and technology, shedding light on the need for greater investment in these areas to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
India is set to host the G20 summit in 2022, which will be the first time the country has hosted the event. This presents a unique opportunity for India to showcase its economic and cultural achievements, as well as highlight its priorities and challenges. Hosting the summit is also expected to bring significant economic benefits to India, including increased tourism, investment, and job creation. The summit is expected to focus on the theme of “Building a Resilient and Sustainable Future,” which aligns with India’s priorities and values.
In conclusion, the role of youth in the G20 summit is crucial, and the involvement of young people in India is particularly significant given the country’s large and diverse youth population. Indian youth has been actively involved in the Y20 and the G20, contributing innovative ideas and recommendations on a range of economic and social issues. India’s hosting of the G20 summit in 2022 presents a unique opportunity for the country to showcase its priorities and challenges and to contribute to global efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth. The engagement of youth in the G20 is essential for ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared more equitably across societies and for promoting greater.
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