The formal segment of the third G20 Development Working Group (DWG) meeting commenced on 09 May 2023 at Taj Resort and Convention Centre (TRCC), Goa. More than 80 delegates from G20 Members, 9 invitee countries, and various international and regional organizations participated in the meeting that will be held from 09-11 May 2023. The meeting is being co-chaired by India’s DWG Co-Chairs – Ministry of External Affairs Joint Secretaries Mr. Nagaraj K. Naidu and Ms. Eenam Gambhir.
The meeting started with a video address by Secretary (Economic Relations) of the Ministry of External Affairs, Mr. Dammu Ravi, who welcomed all the delegates and highlighted that India has put forth an ambitious agenda for the DWG that aims to bring inclusive and sustainable development and accelerating achievement of SDGs at the forefront. Mr. Ravi stated that the outcome documents proposed by India including High Level Principles (HLPs) for Data for Development, HLPs for LiFE and Action Plan on Accelerating Progress on the SDGs will directly feed into the Leaders’ level document, the Green Development Pact that will be adopted at the Leaders’ summit in September. He urged the DWG to work towards consensus documents and requested for support from all delegations.
The sessions on Data for Development and HLPs on LiFE saw exhaustive and engaging discussions and negotiations for finalizing the language of outcome documents that reflects the strong collective will of G20 to work together on development agenda. Satisfactory progress was achieved during the sessions in coming to a common understanding on a lot of issues.
An exhibition showcasing India’s women-led initiatives was inaugurated before the start of formal meeting in the morning. The exhibition is based on the theme of “ECHO” – Economy with safe climate and health leads to greater opportunities and was organized by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs. The exhibition was curated by the National Institute of Fashion Technology and showcased products conceived, designed, and made by women entrepreneurs, such as handloom and textile items; handicrafts; tea, spices, ayurvedic products, and millet-based food products. All the DWG delegates took a tour of the exhibition and appreciated the live demonstrations, sustainable products, and immersive digital experience with 3D holograms. Goa Chief Minister Shri Sawant also took time to visit the exhibition and interacted with the women entrepreneurs.
An exquisite art and craft exhibition has also been curated by Serendipity Arts at the meeting venue. The exhibition was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Pramod Sawant in presence of senior government officials and DWG delegates. It showcased the rich and varied craft traditions from different parts of India that have shaped many cultural identities and are being rediscovered, reinvented and reinterpreted through innovative applications of modern design elements.
The day concluded with a cultural evening and gala dinner, wherein G20 DWG delegates along with senior functionaries from the Government of Goa and Government of India, witnessed scintillating performances that provided a glimpse into the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Goa.
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