India’s first-ever Model G20 Summit commenced on January 30, 2023, at the campus of the Indian Institute of Democratic Leadership (IIDL), Thane. The Model G20 Summit was inaugurated by India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant and Guest of Honour, Eko Junor, Minister Counsellor of Indonesia whereas Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President, ICCR and Vice Chairman of Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, chaired the inauguration ceremony. 165 participants from 10 states are simulating the G20 countries, observer nations and international organisations, and across two days will be deliberating head-to-head on matters of world peace, sustainable development, global economy and inclusivity.
Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa India, appreciated the event, gave an overview of India’s perspective during the presidency of G20, and encouraged delegates to give their best solutions for shaping a better world in the changing and challenging times. He appreciated the Model G20 organised by IIDL and said, “Congratulations to all the distinguished participants for being part of India’s first Model G20 organised by RMP-IIDL. The participants here should take inspiration from today’s Model G20 and motivate every other student to be India’s G20 ambassador.”
Kant suggested that this Model G20, the first one organised will be an example for other institutions to move beyond Model UN. He added “I wish that this unique opportunity will transform you into a leader for India, for G20 and the leader for the world. This experience is very rare and I wish you all the very best.”
Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President, ICCR and Vice Chairman of Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, expressed his views on Model G20, and shared the activities planned by RMP as the secretariat for Civil 20, the official civil society engagement track of G20. He urged the participants to build a world with solutions that promote global unity. He shared how “This Model G20 is an example of the clarion call given by PM Narendra Modi to take India’s G20 to the masses.” The central theme of Model G20 is ‘Global Partnerships: Challenges & Opportunities. Delegates across two days will debate and discuss through four tracks: Leader track (L20), Sherpa track (S20), Finance track (F20) and Civil track (C20).
Eko Junor, Minister Counsellor of Indonesia, shared his insights on Indonesia’s G20 Presidency and encouraged delegates to put their best foot forward at the Model G20. “Indonesia has always committed itself to making India’s presidency successful. I applaud the Indian Institute of Democratic Leadership for making their Model International Leaders Meet with the theme – Model G20 marking India’s G20 Presidency. Remember, participants, the most valuable thing of Model G20 meetings is the international collaboration towards a common goal.” Eko Junor said.
Jayant Kulkarni, Executive Director of RMP and Dean of IIDL, spoke about Model G20 and RMP-IIDL. “RMP is a unique organization whose foundation is based on three important things – Prashikshan, Prabodhan and Saunshodhan. I encourage all the young participants to put forth the best ideas at the Model G20.”
Devendra Pai, Director of Model G20 delightfully expressed his thoughts on Model G20. He said, “It is a tradition of IIDL to host Model International Leaders Meet every year. This year, India was presiding the G20 from December 2022, so to commemorate and celebrate India’s presidency, we tweaked the idea and organised India’s first-ever Model G20 in India.” The event is aimed at the youth to give them an opportunity to hone their public speaking skills, research ability, and diplomacy to become better leaders – in short, a platform to Think, Share and Grow.
