The Chinese Foreign Ministry has confirmed that President Xi Jinping will not participate in the scheduled G20 Virtual Summit on Nov 22, 2023. Premier Li Qiang will represent China at India’s invitation. This aligns with India’s Foreign Ministry announcement that nearly all leaders will attend virtually.
During a special briefing in New Delhi on Nov 21, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra did not share details whether Jinping, Putin, or Trudeau would join, highlighting tensions between India and Canada. In September’s G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, Putin and Jinping sent representatives.
Regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, Kwatra noted discussions might occur based on global impacts, but predicting specific topics for the virtual summit would be premature.
The Kremlin reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend the virtual G20 summit. Reports suggest uncertainty about President Joe Biden’s participation, according to US Ambassador Eric Garcetti.
Agenda of the Virtual Summit
The summit’s agenda focuses on climate change and green energy, crucial for the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference or COP28 in the UAE.
Since September’s Leaders’ Summit, G20 has committed to tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030 and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. The COP28 outcomes include the first Steering Committee meeting of the Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre.
India’s advocacy secured a commitment of USD 44.5 million for the Global Initiative on Digital Health. Initiatives based on G20 AI Principles, UNESCO’s Ethical AI Guidelines, and India’s “AI for All” Principle are underway.
A co-design process for the One Future Alliance for DPI involves countries like the UK, France, U.S., EU, Brazil, Canada, and Italy. The Volume 2 report of the Independent Expert Group on Strengthening MDBs received praise from Finance Ministers.
In MDB financing, the U.S. seeks Congress funding to unlock $25 billion in IBRD, and Germany pledges Euro 35 million for additional IBRD lending of $2.5 billion over the next decade.
On Nov 7, 2023, the IMF Executive Board proposed a quota increase to the Board of Governors. The Action Plan on SDGs is progressing, with the 2023 G20 New Delhi Update finalizing on Nov 13, offering a comprehensive report on SDG progress.
Principles on Lifestyles for Sustainable Development (LiFE) are being shared globally through COP28 and among youth by the IEA. Initiatives like a Mentorship Platform for women’s leadership and TechEquity, addressing the gender digital divide, are in development during India’s Presidency.