Redouble the efforts to reduce disaster risks
Introduction: A Critical Juncture
- Leaders at the G20 summit in New Delhi emphasized the critical state of the world, highlighting the need for immediate action.
- This urgency precedes the United Nations General Assembly’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) summit in New York.
- The world is facing an array of crises, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, wars, escalating debt, and food insecurity, all exacerbated by the backdrop of the climate crisis.
Rising Disasters as the New Normal
- The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events worldwide are indicative of a concerning trend.
- Severe flooding in China, destructive wildfires in Europe and Hawaii, and record-breaking heat in July are just a few examples.
- This alarming pattern is expected to persist unless substantial measures are taken.
Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Communities
- Ironically, the most vulnerable countries and communities, despite contributing the least to the problem, bear the brunt of these disasters.
- Many of the countries most vulnerable to climate change also grapple with severe debt issues. India, already one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations, is feeling this new reality acutely.
Solutions at Hand: SDGs, Paris Agreement, and Sendai Framework
- There is hope in the form of solutions for both adaptation and mitigation.
- The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a blueprint for peace and prosperity.
- Commitments made in the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C are crucial, as is the global framework for reducing disaster risks, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
- While progress in implementing the Sendai Framework is slow, UN member states have recently committed to accelerate resilience building.
Learning from COVID-19
- The COVID-19 pandemic has taught valuable lessons about the importance of system-wide disaster risk reduction, resilience, and adaptation.
- It has revealed vulnerabilities while fostering new ways of collaboration, including digital innovations like computer modeling and vaccine distribution systems.
India’s Role in Disaster Risk Reduction
- India’s efforts in disaster risk reduction are commendable. All 28 states have developed their disaster management plans, leading to a significant reduction in mortality from extreme weather events.
- India’s early warning systems for cyclones and heat waves have saved numerous lives.
- Additionally, reforms in disaster risk financing have allocated substantial resources for preparedness, response, recovery, and capacity development.
International Engagement and Coalitions
- India is actively promoting disaster resilience and sustainability globally, through initiatives like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
- India’s National Disaster Response Force responds to domestic and international disasters.
- Furthermore, India’s G20 presidency established the first-ever work stream on disaster risk reduction, aligning with the SDGs and shared priorities.
The Needed Transformations
- Disaster risk reduction should be integrated into every aspect of society, including construction, investment, and daily life.
- Early warning systems, supported by India and the UN, are cost-effective measures that can significantly reduce damage.
- Improving global data capabilities is crucial for predicting and responding to risks.
- Lastly, international cooperation, particularly for Global South countries, is vital in disaster prevention, response, and recovery.
Conclusion: Equipping Ourselves for an Uncertain Future
The G20 summit and the outcomes of the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group present an opportunity to design a future where the world is better prepared to withstand disaster risk.
As UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized, while extreme weather events are inevitable, they do not need to become deadly disasters. International collaboration and decisive action are essential to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the world.
INDIA’S G20 PRESIDENCY CAN KICKSTART MANUFACTURING
Introduction:
- India’s presidency of the G20 presents a significant opportunity for the country to strengthen its global collaboration and economy.
- The G20 forum, representing the world’s most powerful countries, offers a premier platform for international economic cooperation, accounting for 85% of global GDP and 75% of global exports.
- India’s presidency strategically included the growth strategies of Global South industrial economies, positioning itself as an attractive manufacturing hub.
A Key Outcome: India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor
- One of the noteworthy outcomes of India’s G20 presidency is the proposal for the ‘India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor.’
- This initiative aims to establish a cost-effective cross-border ship-to-rail transit network connecting India with Arab countries, the EU, and the US.
- Such connectivity could lead to substantial trade and investment opportunities for Indian businesses, fostering economic growth.
India’s Ascent as a Manufacturing Hub
- India is making significant strides towards becoming a leading global manufacturing hub, especially as companies seek alternative manufacturing or sourcing bases to China.
- With Indo-US deals and other global corporations showing interest, India’s manufacturing sector has the potential to reach $1 trillion by 2030, elevating it to the fourth largest in the world, up from its current fifth position.
Challenges in India’s Manufacturing Sector
- Despite its potential, India’s manufacturing sector has historically contributed only 13-17% of GDP over the past four decades.
- Additionally, India has struggled to increase its share of global merchandise exports, remaining below 2% since 1948.
- In contrast, China maintains a significant lead, with a share of 10-15% in global exports since 2010.
China’s Manufacturing Advantages
- China’s success in manufacturing at scale, backed by low labor costs and significant investment in trade-related infrastructure, has allowed it to transition to cutting-edge sectors like robotics and aerospace.
- China’s export-oriented approach, along with investment in workforce skilling, has enabled easier technology absorption and movement up the global value chain.
India’s Infrastructure Bottlenecks
India faces infrastructure challenges that hinder its manufacturing sector’s growth. Weak transportation systems and logistics infrastructure are significant bottlenecks, impacting efficiency and competitiveness.
Embracing Industry 4.0 for Growth
- The integration of digital technologies into manufacturing and industrial processes, known as Industry 4.0, presents a transformative opportunity for India’s manufacturing sector.
- The Make in India initiative must continue to focus on building physical infrastructure, promoting ease of doing business, and funding Industry 4.0 through startups.
Leadership and Innovation in Manufacturing
- To establish a successful ‘Made in India’ brand, several steps are crucial.
- The government must support physical infrastructure development and ease of doing business while investing in Industry 4.0.
- Inspirational leaders are needed to drive Industry 4.0 as a movement.
- Manufacturing sector leaders should think globally, invest in R&D and innovation, build partnerships, and prioritize total quality management.
Global Positioning Through G20
- India’s G20 presidency offers a unique opportunity to position its manufacturing sector on the global stage.
With a government target of $500 billion in merchandise exports for FY 2023-24, the focus must be on tapping into the untapped export potential within existing tariff lines to achieve this goal.
AN UNFORGETTABLE PRESIDENCY
Introduction
- The G20 Summit, held under India’s presidency, has raised questions about whether India has emerged as a major player in the international arena, akin to China’s rise showcased through the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.
China’s Perspective: Cautious Optimism
- China’s leadership remains cautious about recognizing India’s newfound prominence.
- However, the uncertainty about India’s role might serve China’s interests, echoing historical anecdotes about how leaders react to global shifts.
India’s Presidency: Overwhelming Benefits
- A semi-objective assessment of India’s G20 presidency and the events surrounding it suggests that the benefits significantly outweigh the downsides.
- India has gained substantial weight and influence, an unprecedented development in contemporary history.
Convening Power and Consensus Building
- India’s presidency demonstrated its ability to convene and generate consensus within the G20, an essential platform for addressing global challenges.
- The Delhi Declaration, while not without minor quibbles, managed to unite all 20 member nations on critical issues, including the Ukraine war, climate change, gender equality, SDG goals, financial inclusion, terrorism, and money laundering.
Showcasing India’s Diversity and Genius
- The G20 Summit showcased India’s diversity, vibrancy, and intellectual prowess on the world stage, enhancing its soft power.
- India is now perceived as a key destination for international dialogue and debate on contentious issues, coupled with exceptional hospitality.
India as an Alternative to China
The announcement of an economic corridor connecting Europe, the Middle East, and India during the G20 Leaders’ summit marked India’s emergence as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, offering a potential solution to the debt trap faced by many participating countries.
Maintaining Core Values and Vision
- Despite the allure of realpolitik, India retained its core values and conscience during its presidency.
- The theme, Vasudhaiva kutumbakam, exemplified India’s commitment to global harmony and sustainability.
- India’s role as a voice for an alternative vision, especially in the Global South, is becoming increasingly evident.
The Potential of the Indian Stack
- India’s digital innovation, the Indian Stack, presents transformative possibilities for the world.
- Its open APIs and digital public goods could revolutionize identity, data, and payment systems on a global scale, a concept that was endorsed by the World Bank.
Inclusion of the African Union in the G21
India’s insistence on the inclusion of the African Union in the G21 reflects its alternative vision of global engagement, balancing pragmatism with idealism.
Modi’s Leadership and Legacy
- Prime Minister Modi played a pivotal role in making the G20 Summit a resounding success.
- His leadership was celebrated by top global leaders, and India’s presidency will be remembered as a defining moment in G20 history.
Conclusion
India’s G20 presidency has significantly elevated its global standing. The convening power, consensus building, showcasing of cultural diversity, and alternative vision it offered have positioned India as a prominent international player, drawing comparisons with China’s rise in the past.
