G20 Meeting in Guwahati
In 2023, Guwahati, Assam experienced a significant opportunity to be part of India’s G20 Presidency with several meetings, showcasing the growing importance of the Northeast in global discourses.
G20 Meetings in Guwahati
1. Youth20 (Y20) Inception Meeting (6-8 February 2023)
At IIT Guwahati, this meeting was the first of the Y20 engagement group, with over 150 youth delegates from G20 countries. Y202023 focused on five thematics:
- Future of Work: Industry 4.0, Innovation and 21st century skills
- Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction
- Peace Building and Reconciliation
- Shared Future: Youth in Democracy and Governance
- Health, Well-being and Sports
There were contributions from over 1,200 students from various colleges and schools. There were cultural programmes, including a performance by singer Papon.
2. Sustainable Finance Working Group Meeting (2-3 February 2023)
The focus for this meeting was on identifying mechanisms for mobilising sustainable finance in support of climate action and sustainable development goals.
3. SAI20 Inception Meeting (13-15 March 2023)
SAI20 focused on the participation of Supreme Audit Institutions in promoting transparency and accountability within G20 countries.
4. 2nd Employment Working Group Meeting (3-5 April 2023)
This meeting brought Section socially responsible discussions on policies to facilitate inclusiveness and sustainable employment in the face of complications such as job creation and workforce skilling.
Importance of meetings for Guwahati and the Northeast-
Hosting these G20 meetings as one of significant venues established Guwahati is engaged in the international diplomacy context and the Northeast was embedded into a global type of discussion. The meetings also provided a platform for the rich cultural heritage of the region to be considered whilst looking at the strategic position of the Northeast, within India’s Act East Policy.