P20: A parliamentary dimension to global governance

Source: This post has been created based on the article “P20: A parliamentary dimension to global governance” published in The Indian Express on 13^th October 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations — Global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

News: This article discusses the various achievements of Indian democracy since independence. It also highlights India’s G20 Presidency and the future engagements under it, primarily the Parliament20 (P20).

What have been the achievements of Indian democracy?

1) It is an inclusive democracy, with a multi-dimensional diversity and a pluralistic society.

2) It has addressed the challenges of nation-building despite social, cultural, economic, and regional complexities and disparities.

3) It has had a multi-party democratic political system since independence, despite the challenges of illiteracy and widespread poverty.

4) Conduct of free and fair elections by the Election Commission of India — an independent constitutional body.

5) India has witnessed considerable socio-economic development

6) It has also seen the increased political participation of citizens, especially women.

7) A competitive electoral landscape in which political parties representing diverse interests have emerged.

8) India’s recent achievements during and after the COVID pandemic have deepened the admiration for India’s vibrant democracy.

What were the various positive outcomes of India’s presidency of the G20?

The theme of this year’s G20, “One Earth, One Family, One Future”, embodies the spirit of unity, collaboration and shared destiny. It led to various positive outcomes such as:

1) Represented India’s increasing importance and clout in global politics.

2) India’s contemporary technology advancement as well as our heritage, culture, and traditions were demonstrated.

3) Focus on sectors such as energizing of the international economy, expansion of tourism, global workplace opportunities, and stronger food security through millet production and consumption.

4) Conclusion of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor Agreement and the Global Biofuels Alliance.

What is the P20 Summit?

The P20 Summit within the G20 has brought a critical parliamentary dimension to the global governance framework.

Focus areas under P20:

(1) Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

(2) Sustainable Energy Transition

(3) Mainstreaming Gender Equality, and

(4) Transformation in people’s lives through Public Digital Platforms.

(5) “LiFE is Beautiful” initiative which recognises communities with environmentally conscious lifestyles, and use it to build a sustainable ecosystem based on “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle”.