Kashmir is known as paradise on the earth. It is the land of scenic beauty. The Abrogation of article 370 has given the valley a new era of hope, peace & progress. This has been strongly spearheaded by Govt’s latest decision of hosting the first ever G-20 meeting in J&K in 2023 after taking over the G-20 presidency in Dec 2022. G20 is a unique and premier forum for economic cooperation and sustainable development includes both developed and developing nations, formed in 1999 in backdrop of financial crisis of late 1990s that hit East Asia and South East Asia. It aims to secure global financial stability, prevent future financial crisis across the world and shape global economic agenda. It accounts for 80% of gross world GDP, 75% of international trade and 60% of world population. The presidency of each summit rotates annually among the members and is managed by past, present and future members called Troika. It consists of two parallel tracks called finance and Sherpa track.
It gives unique opportunity to our country when we are celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav of progressive India and glorious history of its people, culture and achievements. Theme for this summit is vasudhaiva kutumbakam or one earth, one family, one future. India will highlight its cultural diversity, glorious historical background by exploring incredible India, its heritage and achievements since independence. Indian government has sought inputs, suggestions and opinions from citizens in order to have people participation from grassroots level and engage people from all walks of life to prioritize every effort in action for compiling the list of agenda. G20 matters for India for various reasons. First, it offers opportunity to set global agendas, articulate policies over critical economic, development, sociopolitical and security issues. Second, G20 leadership can be utilized to improve India’s stature and status in global politics. Third, it will enable India in reforming multilateral institutions to make them more inclusive and responsible for issues like climate change, economic sustainability and increasing geopolitical stability. And finally, India can shape international policy and align its national priorities with its global aspirations. In its first ever global leadership role, India’s long awaited moment to lead and spearhead new policies at global negotiating table has arrived. There are nine guest countries for the summit. A total of 200 meetings will be held around the country. Among 15 institutions in the country chosen to host youth-20 and civil-20 events which are being organised in connection with India’s G20 presidency, university of Kashmir is one of them.
The people of Kashmir have appreciated and welcomed the decision of hosting the G-20 summit in J&K with open hands. This will be the first mega event in J&K after abrogation of article 370. The hosting of meeting of G-20 summit is not only a proud moment for the valley but also for whole India. It will be a mega event for Kashmiris as it brings world’s leading economies together to one place known as “Heaven on earth”. An event was organised in heritage Mughal garden wherein people from all over the valley have appreciated this golden opportunity to showcase incredible Kashmir to the leaders of world. They also expressed their gratefulness for Indian government for selecting Kashmir for the summit. For flawless coordination & successful conduct of this thriving summit, a five-member high level committee under principal secretary to the Govt of Kashmir, housing & urban development department has been formed. Recently, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir held meeting of officers from different departments highlighting the importance of hosting G-20 Summit & focused on all the needs to improve the infrastructural development & aesthetic value of the places. All the agencies have already fastened the ongoing upgradation works to meet deadlines of works. The Govt officials have set up the deadlines for completion of all major & minor works. The preparations for hosting this international summit are going at full swing at all levels.
The Govt’s big diplomatic decision of hosting the G-20 summit in J&K is going to have a huge positive impact on valley. It will bring Kashmir on global spotlight & will also act as a catalyst for global transformation of India as a nation. It gives a golden opportunity to Kashmir to showcase their potential & talent & make world leaders see & experience ground realities themselves, ultimately defeating adversaries unrealistic goal of portraying Kashmir in bad light. This summit will open doors for big economies to invest & facilitate infrastructural, economic & social development in valley. G20 could also facilitate partnership and collaboration, world media attention for boosting tourism and infrastructure development for job creation. It will give a strong boost to India’s stance on Kashmir at international level. The administration is sprucing up the city for the major event. It opens the door to showcase the development of UT and its rich cultural heritage which will boost its tourism and attract global market for local Kashmiri handicrafts.
With big responsibilities, come the great challenges. The hosting of this summit is never going to be an easy task for people of Kashmir. The most important concern is the security of all international delegates. In the recent months, there has been a considerable decrease in terrorist activities but this can be taken as dormant phase in the valley. All the necessary actions are to be taken to maint law & order in the valley. It is the first time that such a major international event is being org in valley, Pak has been reaching out to its allies like China, Saudi Arabia constantly urging them to boycott G20 summit in Kashmir. The people of Kashmir should take it as a stepping stone for the inception of an era of peace, stability & a dawn for the valley. This summit would result in opportunities in business and job creation. The Kashmiris have to break the old shackles of fear & grab every opportunity for better future for their future generations.
