India is set to host the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting under the G20 Indian Presidency from June 11 to 13 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The meeting, chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, will focus on accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and fostering synergies between the development, environment, and climate agendas. The meeting will consist of two main sessions: one on ‘Multilateralism: Collective Actions for Accelerating Progress towards SDGs’ and another on ‘Green Development: A LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) Approach’. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also address the ministers through a special video.
The Varanasi gathering will have an impact on the United Nations SDG Summit to be held in New York in September. The decisions made will aim to counter the mounting developmental challenges made worse by the slowdown in the global economy, debt distress, effects of climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, rising poverty and inequality, cost of living crisis, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical conflicts. The event will bring 200 delegates from around the world to Varanasi, and cultural programmes, exhibitions, and excursions are planned to showcase the city’s rich culture and traditions.
