People’s 20 Assembly Sets Agenda for G20 Summit: Voices from Around the World Demand Collaborative Change

New Delhi: The People's 20 Assembly, a significant gathering of global civil society actors, concluded successfully on August 24 at the Constitution Club in New Delhi. The People's 20 Assembly represents a global network of individuals and organisations working for solidarity, justice, and peace. It aims to bring together diverse voices to address pressing global challenges and shape policy recommendations for the G20 Summit.

The assembly, which brought together more than 300 delegates from diverse parts of India and notable civil society leaders from around the world, issued a declaration calling for transformative change and collaboration on pressing global challenges.

Vidya Dinker, one of the coordinators of the Assembly, emphasised the importance of the upcoming G20 Summit, set to take place on September 9-10, 2023, in New Delhi. In a press release by the organisation, Dinker stated, "The G20 Summit must serve as a platform for transformative change, inspiring a new era of collaboration that transcends borders and ideologies to build a future where all people can thrive in harmony with each other and the planet."

Annie Namala, another coordinator of the event, urged G20 leaders to champion democratic principles, safeguard human rights, and foster an environment where diverse voices can resonate without fear of persecution.

The People’s 20 Assembly spanned two days and featured nine parallel thematic sessions and three plenary sessions. These discussions delved into key themes, including Economy and Finance, Labour, Children and Youth, Democracy and Civic Space, and Leave No One Behind. The insights generated from these deliberations will contribute to policy recommendations for the G20 Summit.

The assembly concluded by issuing the ‘New Delhi Declaration on G20 Summit’ based on the delegates' input. The declaration appeals to G20 governments to unite in a common purpose and navigate the global transition with a commitment to cultivating a more equitable, sustainable, and just global order. This approach aligns with internationally agreed commitments such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Climate Agreement, and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda.

The declaration underscores the need for immediate action on several fronts, including:

1. Resolution of Conflicts: The declaration calls for ending conflicts in Ukraine, South Sudan, Myanmar, and other regions, emphasising the importance of peace and stability.
2. Climate Action: Urgent climate action is stressed through ambitious greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals, highlighting the assembly's commitment to combatting climate change.
3. Economic and Social Equality: The declaration emphasises the need for economic and social equality, underlining the importance of addressing disparities and promoting inclusive growth.
4. Sustainable Development: Commitment to sustainable development is a central aspect of the declaration, aligning with the global goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda.
5. Protection of Democratic Values: The declaration underscores the importance of protecting democratic values and civil liberties, calling for governments to uphold these principles.

The People’s 20 Assembly was co-organised by a coalition of national and international networks under the banner of Peoples' 20. It marked an unprecedented collaborative effort to address pressing global challenges and set the stage for discussions at the upcoming G20 Summit in New Delhi.

With the G20 Summit on the horizon, the world will be watching to see how these calls for transformative change and collaboration will influence the agenda and actions of world leaders as they gather in New Delhi on September 9-10, 2023.