Will Power Dynamics Limit India’s G20 Presidency Goals Of Inclusivity, South-South Cooperation And Universal Health Coverage?

The G20, comprising the world’s major advanced and emerging economies, plays a crucial role in shaping global policies and addressing critical issues that affect countries worldwide. It is noteworthy that the G20 members represent around 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of the global trade, and approximately two-thirds of the world population. In recent years, especially in the post-COVID-19 context, there has been a growing emphasis on partnering with the development and health agendas among South countries.

India’s G20 presidency tenure: An opportunity for the global South

India’s G20 presidency marked a significant turning point for the global south. As one of the most populous and rapidly developing nations in the world, India has a unique perspective on the challenges faced by developing countries. During its presidency, India is emphasising the need for inclusivity and engagement with South countries to address shared developmental challenges more effectively. This approach is indeed offering an opportunity for the participating countries to have their voices heard and concerns addressed in the global arena. In addition to the regular G20 member nations, India’s special invitee guest countries are Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain, and UAE.

Holistic focus on SDGs

Under India’s leadership, G20 made substantial progress in aligning its priorities with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs focus on issues such as poverty eradication, quality education, gender equality, affordable and clean energy, and good health and well-being, among others. By prioritising these goals, India’s G20 presidency is seeking to address the unique development challenges faced by South countries, which often grapple with issues related to poverty, inequality, and limited access to basic services. It is also an opportunity wherein India is showcasing its own on-the-ground case studies on multiple development and health issues; thus opening vistas for further innovative partnerships.

Inequities in health programs

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of health systems worldwide, especially in developing countries. India’s G20 presidency is making strides in addressing health inequalities and ensuring access to essential healthcare services for all i.e. the most vulnerable, hard-to-reach, and socially excluded populace. The focus on public health infrastructure, strengthening healthcare systems, and enhancing cooperation for vaccine distribution highlighted the commitment to health, during G20 consultations, as a crucial aspect of sustainable development.

Advancing Universal Health Coverage

One of the key pillars of India’s G20 presidency is also propelling Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across the global South. UHC ensures that all individuals and communities can access the quality health services they need without facing financial and socio-cultural barriers. Through dialogue and collaboration, India’s G20 presidency is working to build a consensus on the significance of investing in health systems and expanding health coverage in all developing countries.

Fostering South-South Cooperation

India’s G20 presidency is also emphasising the significance of South-South cooperation in addressing shared challenges and fostering sustainable development. The South-South cooperation involves developing countries sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources to support each other’s development efforts. This approach facilitates the exchange of best practices and innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of South countries.

Women & Youth: Key drivers of positive change

Recognising the transformative role of women and youth in development, India’s G20 presidency underscores the importance of empowering these demographic groups. Gender equality and youth empowerment are made integral to discussions on economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. By focusing on these priorities, India aims to foster inclusive development and harness the potential of these demographics for social and economic progress.

Climate Change – policy to action

India’s G20 presidency recognises the urgency of addressing climate change and environmental sustainability in the context of development. Developing countries in the South are often disproportionately affected by the consequences of climate change despite contributing less to greenhouse gas emissions. By promoting clean energy technologies and encouraging sustainable practices, India’s G20 presidency is aiming to create a more resilient and environmentally conscious world.

India’s G20 presidency has marked a significant step forward in broadening the development and health agenda among South countries. By emphasising inclusivity, sustainability, and cooperation, India has sought to address the unique challenges faced by developing nations in the global South. The focus on  Sustainable Development Goals, Universal Health Coverage, and South-South cooperation demonstrates a commitment to creating a more equitable and prosperous world. As G20 continues to evolve, the efforts being made during India’s presidency have the potential to shape the future direction of global development and health policies, ensuring that the needs of South countries are adequately represented and addressed on the global stage.

Assessing whether countries are actually gaining from the G20 consultative process during India’s G20 presidency requires considering the specific initiatives, actions, and outcomes that occurred during this period. As it may be too early to draw a more conclusive analysis based on the potential benefits and challenges countries might be facing during the G20 consultative process, a few select observational milestones are already emerging.

Power dynamics: The G20 is dominated by major economies, and decision-making power may be skewed towards these influential nations. Despite India’s emphasis on inclusivity, smaller countries in the global South may still face challenges in asserting their interests and priorities in the face of competing agendas.

Implementation gaps: While the G20 consultative process may result in promising commitments, the actual implementation of policies and initiatives on the ground can be slow and challenging, which is yet to be studied. This can limit the tangible benefits that countries gain from the process.

Limited scope: The G20 focuses on a wide range of global issues, and not all of them may directly address the specific concerns of all developing countries. Countries in the global South may find that their most pressing development and health challenges are not fully addressed or prioritised within the G20 agenda.

Geopolitical tensions: The G20 brings together countries with diverse geopolitical interests, which can lead to disagreements and hinder progress on crucial issues. Geopolitical tensions can divert attention away from development and health agendas and make cooperation more difficult.

The actual gains for countries from the G20 consultative process during India’s G20 presidency depend on various factors, including the level of inclusivity, the effectiveness of policy alignment, and the willingness of G20 members to support meaningful action. While the consultative process can offer opportunities for representation, access to resources, and policy convergence, it also poses challenges related to power dynamics, implementation, scope, and geopolitical tensions. Evaluating the tangible impact would, nevertheless require a comprehensive analysis of specific initiatives and their outcomes post-India’s G20 presidency.

( The author is Sr. Consulting Adviser (Strategic Communication & Programmes), UN System in Asia and the Pacific)