This time the annual summit of G20 leaders has started in Johannesburg with many big political and economic messages. According to available information, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, while delivering the inaugural address on Saturday, said that his country is committed to maintaining the seriousness of the G20 and its global importance. He also added that the development priorities of Africa and the Global South will be given a special place in the agenda this time.
Let us tell you that this three-day conference started from November 21 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reached Johannesburg a day before. Here he held important talks with many global leaders including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. PM Modi wrote on X that he is looking forward to a meaningful discussion on global issues.
PM Modi’s six-point agenda
It is noteworthy that PM Modi has proposed six new initiatives for G20 in the initial session of the conference. His first initiative is to create a “G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug-Terror Nexus” to stop drug trafficking. Apart from this, he has suggested creating a “G20 Global Healthcare Response Team” of trained doctors from member countries, which can be sent immediately in case of any global health crisis.
Emphasizing on skill development of Africa, PM Modi has also proposed “G20 Africa-Skills Multiplier Initiative”. In this sequence, he has also introduced initiatives like “Global Traditional Knowledge Repository”, “G20 Open Satellite Data Partnership” and “G20 Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative”.
Manifesto adopted amidst opposition from America
On the very first day, G20 leaders have accepted a declaration on the climate crisis and global challenges. Let us tell you that this draft has been prepared without America’s participation. The White House alleged that South Africa wanted to release the manifesto under any circumstances, while the US did not agree with it.
It is also worth noting that US President Trump had already boycotted the conference and accused South Africa of racist policies. In February, Foreign Minister Marco Rubio also refused to participate in the G20 meeting.
Emphasis on Critical Minerals Framework
In the manifesto, special emphasis has been laid on “G20 Critical Minerals Framework”. Under this, the aim is to provide more benefits to those countries of the Global South which are major producers of these important minerals. It has been said in the document that due to technological changes and energy transition, the demand for critical minerals is increasing rapidly, but the producing countries are not able to get full benefit from it.
A huge increase in climate finance is needed
The manifesto reiterates the need to increase climate finance from “billions to trillions”. Especially in Africa, emphasis has been laid on eliminating inequalities related to access to energy. Along with this, there has also been talk of expanding early warning systems in view of climate related disasters.
Separate discussion on Ukraine
Ukraine is mentioned only once in the main document, but Western leaders are discussing the issue extensively in their private meetings. European countries have issued a joint statement after the leak of America’s controversial “28-point peace plan”. He says that this proposal still requires more work.
Let us tell you that they want to give time to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and prepare a balanced proposal with America.Overall, this summit is not only becoming a platform to give direction to the global economic environment, but is also giving new voice to the geopolitical tensions and demands of the Global South. The eyes of the world are fixed on the coming last day, where clear indications of many important decisions are expected.