G20 - Understanding the World We Live In

The G20 (group of 20) is a group of nations that was formed to discuss global policy on economic and financial stability. They discuss issues of trade, health, climate and international security. In the past, issues discussed have included the Covid -19 pandemic, the Syrian civil war, Iran nuclear crises among many others.

In September 2023, the most recent conference was held in New Delhi, India. This was a proud moment in our country's history as it was a big step towards our 2047 goal for a completely developed India. Some of the topics discussed were: economic aid to developing countries, climate change, and the Russo-Ukrainian war. However, this year, there were a few noticeable absences such as Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping who both chose not to attend the summit personally but sent representatives.

The 2023 summit was composed of 19 nations and the African and European unions. The G20 countries were formed as a bloc of the most economically prominent countries in the world. Each G20 summit also invites some other nations as guests. Spain is not a member but the only permanent guest due to its economical and political relevance. Even though this system may have worked post World War 2, when the entire world was in a crisis situation and certain countries with strong political power and substantial economies took the lead in redevelopment, I think it seems somewhat exclusionary now.

With time situations change and need different solutions. In today’s day and age I think that it would be more pragmatic to involve all nations. The link between politics and economics becomes stronger and nowadays countries who are not in the G20 struggle to have their economic issues resolved. At the very least, countries in the rest of the world should have unions to represent their economic and financial needs similar to the invitation extended to the African Union at this year’s summit.

The nations in the G20 account for approximately 80% of the GWP (gross world product). This is an issue as it leaves power, resources and decision making in the hands of a few. Consequently, it leads to a lack of resources for third world countries which in turn, means systemic poverty. As this continues, countries with more of an economical presence will

continue to become richer and more powerful, whereas third world countries will continue to become more and more poor. This is a vicious poverty cycle, and it can only be stopped if countries with less resources are included in the decisions made on global economic and political concerns.

In the recent past, I have begun MUN (Model United Nations) and it has made me realize the significance of political, economical and financial decisions on the rest of the world. Individual countries have their own motivations but to solve global problems a balance must be found. Representation of all countries becomes necessary. This G20 might be just what India needed to help them take their place in world politics.

Finally, though world issues are complex, I think it is extremely important to have a clear understanding of how the world we live in is run, and focus on both the pros and the cons of serving only national interests.