The Y-20 Curtain Raiser Event
Members of YAH attended the Y20 curtain raiser event held on 6th January, 2023.
Youth 20 (Y20) is an official consultation forum for youth from all G20 member countries to be able to dialogue with each other. Y20 encourages youth as future leaders to raise awareness of global issues, exchange ideas, argue, negotiate, and reach consensus.
The Group of Twenty (G20) is the premier forum for international economic cooperation. It plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues. India holds the Presidency of the G20 from 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023.
The theme of India’s G20 presidency is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth · One Family · One Future”
The event included the website and Logo reveal, which has taken inspiration from the 5 elements- Earth (prithvi), Water (jala), Fire (tejas), Wind (vayu) and Space (akasha).
Here are three highlights from the event-
1. Speech given by the Honorable Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports
The speech highlighted the importance of Y20 being spread across India and not only limited to the metropolitan areas. Similar to the G20, it aims at blending millions of free voices into a harmonious melody; with the outcomes being “Inclusive, Ambitious, Action-Oriented and Decisive”.
In his speech, the minister rightfully explained how the “Youth won’t settle for the average”, by giving examples of youth from around the world, such as Argentina, South Africa, Japan etc.
According to him, India has immense potential as the Youth of India is one that is deeply rooted in cultural values and ethos, while also pointing at the fact that it is continuously adapting to the changing technology. “The youth are the Stakeholders of the present and the builders of tomorrow.” The potential of Indian youth is reflected by the evolving startup culture in India.
He spoke about how India is an emerging economy and emphasized on the various milestones achieved over the last few years. He further went on to explain the 5 themes of Y20.
He emphasized the importance of learning from mutual experiences of youth across the world at Y20, reflecting upon how there is much to learn. Y20 will act as an opportunity to provide constructive policy inputs.
2. Address by the Y20 Chairperson, Mr. Anmol Sovit
Mr. Anmol Sovit addressed the gathering by introducing the youth of India as young at Heart, Age, Mind and thought. “We wish to create Y20 in India Y20+, making it a people movement. Considering that India has one of the largest youth populations. Y20 aims to reach as many youth as possible, trying to reach every institution, school and college possible, giving voice to every student with the help of a digital platform”, he said.
3. Session 2, which consisted of the panel discussion
The panel discussion threw light on “How India can harness its youth population to become a superpower”. It addressed some pertinent questions such as the spirit and nationalism in India’s youth, the role of youngsters in India actively participating in policy and law making and the transformation India has gone through over the past decade among many others.
India plans to bring together 43 heads of delegation at G20 Summit in New Delhi in September, this is the largest ever for G20; While also hosting 200+ meetings.
As an engagement group, Y20 will have 20 events as well as consultations over the 5 themes, spread across different cities.
YAH looks forward to engaging in many such events in the coming months and hopes to contribute as India gears for a Digital Y20, trying to reach as many Rural and Urban Youth as possible.
Written by- Nandini Arora
REFERENCES:
1. https://www.g20.org/en/