Camp Jakarta, Indonesia
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has reiterated that India has always supported a rules-based international order. Addressing Presiding Officers of G-20 Parliaments on the theme “Effective Parliament, Vibrant Democracy” during the 8th Summit of Speakers of G-20 Parliaments (P20) held in Jakarta, he said that iIt is in this spirit that India has called for supporting multilateralism for global peace and stability so that we can unite to address the challenges facing the world and find solutions in accordance with the aspirations of the people, he observed.
Birla said that as India is now going to chair the G-20, it reiterates her commitment to greater solidarity and cooperation among the G-20 countries.
Observing that in the changing context, the engagement of the people with democratic institutions has enhanced further through technology, Birla told the distinguished gathering that India’s goal is to connect the youth with Parliament and accordingly various programmes are being organized by Parliament of India for their active participation. He stressed that during the glorious journey of 75 years of democracy, India’s democracy has become more empowered and vibrant and our Parliament is making continuous and consistent efforts to pave the way for inclusive social and economic development of the people.
Earlier, intervening in the debate on the theme “Emerging Issues – Food and Energy Security, and Economic Challenges”, Birla said that global instability caused by COVID-19 has created a food and energy security crisis across the world. This has significantly increased concerns regarding food and energy security for developing countries and weaker sections of society, Lok Sabha Speaker added. He stressed that global problems should be suitably addressed through collective efforts at the global level and our commitment should be to ensure availability of food and energy resources sustainably at reasonable rates. Birla further said that the Russia-Ukraine crisis has also adversely affected food and energy security in the world. He reiterated that India firmly believes that for inclusive development of the world, such conflicts should be resolved through mutual dialogue and diplomacy.
Referring to various schemes of the Government for food and energy security, Birla suggested that it is the responsibility of all Parliaments to sensitize their Governments on important global subjects such as food security, energy security, climate change and sustainable development. He hoped that with the continuous exchange of new ideas, new initiatives, best practices, we will be successful in building a better and resilient economy.
On this occasion, Birla expressed condolences for the loss of lives during the football match in Jakarta and wished speedy recovery of the persons who have been injured in the incident.
Earlier, the Lok Sabha Speaker led the Indian Parliamentary Delegation to the Inaugural Session of the Summit. The Session commenced with a video message from the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres. Indonesian President H.E. Mr. Joko Widodo, President of the Inter-Parliament Association H.E. Mr Duarte Pacheco, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Indonesia Dr. (HC) Puan Maharani and the Speakers of the Parliaments of the G20 Group graced the Inaugural Session.
During the Summit, Birla held bilateral meetings with Dr. (HC) Puan Maharani, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Indonesia and Mr. Milton Dick, Speaker, House of Representatives, Australia and discussed issues of mutual interest.
About G-20 & P-20
The parliaments of the G-20 countries are organised as P-20. It accounts for 80% of global GDP and 75% of global trade. It also accounts for two-thirds of the world’s population. It also plays an important role in holding governments accountable for implementing decisions as oversight authorities.
The G20 is made up of 19 countries as well as the European Union. Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Republic of Korea, South Africa, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America are among the 19 countries.
Notably, India will host the G-20 (Group of 20) leaders’ summit in New Delhi next year in 2023. The 17th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit will be held in Indonesia in November 2022, after which India will take over the G20 presidency in December 2022.
The G20 presidency rotates among members each year, and the country holding the presidency, along with the previous and next presidency-holders, form the ‘Troika’ to ensure the continuity of the G20 agenda.
The Troika countries are currently Italy, Indonesia, and India, with Indonesia holding the Presidency.
Edit by Andalib Akhter