G-20 and Northeast

 Assam and the Northeast is all set to host a series of as many as eleven events of the G-20 initiative, with the first one starting on February 2. While more than 250 delegates from across the world are expected to participate in the three-day event in Guwahati, it will focus on five themes – the Future of Work, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction, Peace Building and Reconciliation, Youth in Democracy and Health, Well-being and Sports. The G-20 initiative is a coalition of the world's most-powerful 19 economies, in addition to the European Union. Founded in 1999, it comprises the economies that account for nearly 85 per cent of the world's GDP, about 75 per cent of the global trade, and over two-thirds of the world's total population. A collective and non-hierarchical body, G-20 has played a key role in promoting world trade in the past couple of decades. While India has assumed the presidency of G-20 from December, 2022 to November, 2023, the theme chosen for it is "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" or "One Earth, One Family, One Future." Currently the most significant premier inter-governmental forum for international economic cooperation, the forum plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues. While India has kick-started its presidency term agenda with a series of cultural initiatives that included various Jan Bhagidari activities, a special University Connect event with 75 educational institutions from across the country, lighting up of 100 ASI monuments with the G20 logo and colours, and showcasing G20 at the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, various other events, youth activities, cultural performances, and site excursions showcasing the sights and traditions of respective city-venues, are also planned throughout the year-long calendar. But, even as this series of events is taking off in the next few days, it is important for the government to spell out how the Northeastern region and its people are going to benefit from the G-20 engagements. It is also important to find out to what extent the message of G-20 is trickling down to the masses in general and the youth of the Northeast in particular. Likewise, it is also for the government to ensure that the Northeastern region of India is projected in the most positive manner to the delegates from various countries. The tourism potential, the investment potential and the strategic importance of the region are definitely some of the aspects which probably are finding place in the list of priorities.