Verum’s crystal ball buzzed with news for the day. It showed Verum pictures of heads of states of different countries landing in India. “Mysticals,” she told her friends, “India hosted the G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10. Leaders and heads of nations from various countries attended the summit.”
“What’s the G20 Summit?” Orak wanted to know.
“The G20 or the Group of Twenty is an international body of 19 countries and the European Union (EU). It was established in 1999. Its goal is to promote economic stability, take action against climate change, and help sustainable development,” Verum said.
“So, India is a member of the G20?” Scorch said.
“Yes,” Verum replied, “Australia, China, Germany, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US) are some of the other member countries of the G20. Every year, the G20 countries meet and hold important meetings throughout the year. The G20 Summit is the final meeting of the process.
India holds the Presidency of the G20 for 2023. This is why it hosted the G20 Summit 2023. India’s G20 Presidency theme was Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning ‘One Earth. One Family. One Future’.”
“Tell us more about the Summit. Who all attended the Summit and what all was discussed?” Scorch was curious.
“The agenda of this year’s Summit was climate change, lending more loans to developing countries, and discussing the impact of the international conflicts on food and energy.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Dr Ngozi Okonjo-lweala, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Bangladesh Prime Minister Hasina Sheikh, US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, UAE President HH Shaikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Australian PM Anthony Albanese, and more attended the G20 Summit with Indian PM Narendra Modi hosting it.”
“How did India prepare for such a huge event?” Felix said.
“For the G20 Summit, India decorated its capital city with lights, fountains, and statues. There was also street art showing Indian history, mythology, art and culture.
On the other hand, there were reports of the authorities clearing or hiding slum areas from view. There were also reports of the authorities catching stray dogs using inhumane methods. They were removed from the streets and moved to shelters ahead of the event,” Verum said.
“Thanks for giving us an update, Verum,” Orak said.