PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Aug 31: India holds the Presidency of the G20 from December 1, 2022, until November 30, 2023. The G20 in 2023 focuses on the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
This theme emphasizes the value of human beings, animals, plants, and even microorganisms, highlighting their interconnected existence on our planet and in the broader universe.
As a part of the G20 University Connect Programme “Engaging Young Minds” – a lecture series was organized at XLRI, Jamshedpur in association with the Research and Information System (RIS) for Developing Countries and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on Wednesday.
The chief guest for the programme was Sanjay Bhattacharyya, former ambassador to Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Turkey and Egypt, former secretary- Ministry of External Affairs.
The event saw participation from the XLRI community, encompassing students, staff, alumni, and management members.
The inauguration of the G20 University Connect Lecture Series at XLRI commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Fr. S George , the director, Fr. Donald D’Silva SJ, Dean (Administration & Finance), Prof. Sanjay Patro, Dean (Academics), and Prof. Kalyan Bhaskar (Strategic Management Area, XLRI).
The event commenced with Fr S George, director of XLRI Jamshedpur, emphasising the significance of collaborative endeavors among member nations to address challenges related to sustainability, energy, climate, security and peace.
The G20 University Connect Lecture Session at XLRI started by showcasing the official G20 video that introduced the Indian Presidency.
The video highlighted the honour and privilege that our country has received through this opportunity. It also shed light on this year’s theme, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (One Earth, One Family, One Future), emphasizing the unity and interconnectedness of all life forms.
The lecture series began with an address by Bhattacharyya who shared insights on the formation of the G20, India’s priorities under its Presidency, and the role of youth in this global dialogue.
“Together, the G20 countries account for almost two-thirds of the global population, 75% of global trade, and 85% of the world’s GDP. Working groups this year will focus on global priority areas such as green development, climate finance, inclusive growth, digital economy, public infrastructure, technology transformation, and reforms for women empowerment for socio-economic progress”, he said.
The insightful session was then followed by a dynamic question-and-answer session, allowing students to interact directly with ambassador Sanjay Bhattacharyya.
