Breakthrough at G20 Summit: PM Modi, US Prez Biden announce “Delhi Declaration”

New Delhi: In an unexpected early breakthrough and success for India’s Presidency, G-20 members agreed to a joint statement, forging consensus on the contentious “Ukraine paragraphs”, and also accepted the membership of the African Union into the grouping on Saturday. The final document marks a shift in the position taken by the U.S., the European Union and G-7 countries, and dilutes the harsh criticism of Russia contained in last year’s Bali G-20 statement. Diplomats and officialssaid that the final breakthrough followed a proposal by Indonesia-India-Brazil-South Africa, that was negotiated until past midnight on Friday, and again on Saturday. The development was announced directly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who stopped proceedings during the second session of the Summit on day 1. Following are the main highlights of “Delhi Declaration”:-
G20 will work to accelerate “strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth” and work towards implementing the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, the grouping said.
“We will ensure that no one is left behind. We commend the efforts of the Indian Presidency to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 agenda,” read the resolution, adopted this afternoon.
G20 reaffirmed a rules-based, non-discriminatory, fair, open, inclusive, equitable, sustainable and transparent multilateral trading system. “We will support policies that enable trade and investment to serve as an engine of growth and prosperity for all,” the resolution read.
G20 will work with private sector to create inclusive, sustainable, and resilient global value chains, and support developing countries to move up the value chain. It will address debt vulnerabilities in developing countries and enforce its “no one left behind” policy.
G20 resolved to accelerate actions to address environmental crises and challenges including climate change. “We recognize that the impacts of climate change are being experienced worldwide, particularly by the poorest and the most vulnerable,” the resolution read.
G20 will help developing nations access low-cost financing for existing and emerging clean and sustainable energy technologies and supporting the energy transitions. A climate finance has been set up so developed countries meet the $100 billion goal for a Collective Quantified Goal beyond 2025.
On the war in Ukraine, the participants reiterated national positions and the contents of the UN Charter. Russia was not mentioned, but the grouping slammed the “use of force for territorial gain”.
G20 committed to enhancing global food security and nutrition for all in line with the Deccan High-Level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition. As part of achieving this, “We encourage efforts to strengthen research cooperation on climate-resilient and nutritious grains such as millets, quinoa, sorghum, and other traditional crops including rice, wheat and maize,” the document read.
The G20 nations also resolved to remain committed to strengthening global health architecture for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response through enhanced collaboration between Finance and Health Ministries..
G20 will promote equal and effective participation of women, especially in the economy as decision-makers.