PM Modi to attend G20, COP26. What's on agenda?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Rome and Glasgow to attend the G20 Summit and the World Leaders' Summit of the COP26. He will likely raise the issues of the global approach to Afghanistan, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic at the two-day G20 Summit in the Italian capital. Here are more details on this.
Why does it matter?
G20 will mark one of the most high-profile gatherings after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, giving world leaders an opportunity to discuss their approach to the country and its new rulers. Meanwhile, COP26 is being seen as a crucial chance for countries around the world to plan the handling of climate change and begin implementation of previous targets.
16th edition of G20 Summit
PM Modi will participate in the 16th edition of the G20 Summit in Rome during October 30-31. Italy has held the presidency of the Summit since December 2020. At this meet, G20 leaders are expected to discuss various key issues such as recovering from the pandemic, climate change, poverty and inequality, and the situation in Afghanistan following the Taliban capture.
What is G20?
G20 is a global forum whose members account for over 80% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 75% of global trade, and 60% of the world population. They have met every year since 1999. Since 2008, it has included a yearly Summit with the participation of heads of state. India is scheduled to host the G20 Summit in 2023 for the first time.
COP26 to be attended by over 100 countries
After G20, PM Modi will travel to Glasgow for the World Leader's Summit of the 26th Conference of Parties (COP26). That Summit is scheduled to be held from October 31 to November 12 under the presidency of the United Kingdom. It will mark the participation of heads of states and governments of more than 120 countries.
India seeks compensation for climate damages
At the COP26, India will seek compensation for the losses caused by climate disasters from developed nations, according to an official in the Environment Ministry. India stands with other low-income and developing countries on the issue, he added.
Paris Agreement implementation begins this year
The implementation of the Paris Agreement commences this year. "At COP26, parties will work to achieve the completion of Paris Agreement implementation guidelines; the mobilization of climate finance; actions to strengthen climate adaptation, technology development and transfer; and keeping in reach the Paris Agreement goals of limiting the rise in global temperatures," according to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs.
PM Modi to hold bilateral meets
PM Modi is also expected to hold several bilateral meetings in Rome and Glasgow. These include meets with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and UK PM Boris Johnson.
