New Delhi, Sept 09: The 18th G20 Summit kicked off with great anticipation as global leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, gathered at New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan on September 9 and 10.
This monumental event, which saw the national capital transformed and partially depopulated for security and logistical reasons, brought together leaders from around the world to address crucial issues, such as the Ukraine conflict, climate change, and global governance.
The significance of the G20 Summit was underscored even before its commencement when Chinese President Xi Jinping opted not to attend, sending Premier Li Qiang in his place. While the official reason for Xi’s absence remained undisclosed, it was widely perceived as a reflection of the ongoing border dispute between India and China.
Prime Minister Modi, however, expressed optimism that the summit would pave the way for a more human-centric and inclusive approach to development. Indian officials responsible for the G20 Summit remained hopeful of reaching a consensus and finalizing a joint communique despite lingering disagreements on topics like the Russia-Ukraine war and climate issues.
Here is the comprehensive schedule of the G20 Summit 2023:
Day 1 (September 9)
9:30 am to 10:30 am: Leaders and heads of delegations arrive at the summit venue, Bharat Mandapam, and partake in a welcome photograph session with the Prime Minister at the Tree of Life Foyer. Subsequently, leaders and delegation heads convene in the Leaders’ Lounge on Level 2 at Bharat Mandapam.
10:30 am to 1:30 pm: The first session, titled ‘One Earth,’ unfolds at the Summit Hall in Bharat Mandapam, followed by a working lunch.
1:30 pm to 3:30 pm: Numerous bilateral meetings are scheduled to take place during this period.
3:30 pm to 4:45 pm: The second session, ‘One Family,’ transpires in the summit venue before leaders return to their respective accommodations.
7:00 pm to 8:00 pm: Leaders and heads of delegations arrive for dinner, which initiates with a welcome photograph session on arrival.
8:00 pm to 9:00 pm: During the dinner, leaders engage in discussions over their meal.
9:00 pm to 9:45 pm: The day concludes with leaders and heads of delegations gathering in the Leaders’ Lounge at Bharat Mandapam.
Day 2 (September 10)
8:15 am to 9:00 am: Leaders and heads of delegations arrive in their individual motorcades at Rajghat, where they participate in a signing ceremony at the peace wall inside the Leaders’ Lounge at Rajghat.
9:00 am to 9:20 am: World leaders pay homage by laying wreaths at Mahatma Gandhi’s Samadhi, followed by a live performance of Mahatma Gandhi’s beloved devotional songs. Subsequently, leaders and heads of delegations convene in the Leaders’ Lounge at Bharat Mandapam.
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9:40 am to 10:15 am: Leaders and heads of delegations arrive at Bharat Mandapam.
10:15 am to 10:30 am: A tree planting ceremony takes place at Bharat Mandapam’s South Plaza.
10:30 am to 12:30 pm: The third session of the summit, labeled ‘One Future,’ occurs at the venue, culminating in the adoption of the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration.
Confirmed G20 Attendees:
- Joe Biden
- Rishi Sunak
- Fumio Kishida
- Justin Trudeau
- Emmanuel Macron
- Anthony Albanese
- Olaf Scholz
- Yoon Suk Yeol
- Cyril Ramaphosa
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Notable Absences:
- Xi Jinping
- Vladimir Putin
- Pedro Sanchez
- Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador
The G20 Summit 2023 represents a significant international gathering, with leaders deliberating on pressing global issues and striving to achieve common ground for the betterment of humanity.
