Ukraine, Inclusivity and Growth: Top Points From the G20 New Delhi Declaration

"A consensus has been reached," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the first day of the G20 Summit.

"A consensus has been reached and the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration has been adopted," announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, 9 September, following a day of talks at the G20 Summit in New Delhi's Bharat Mandapam.

“I have received good news. Due to the hard work of our team, consensus has been built on New Delhi G20 Leaders' Summit Declaration. My proposal is to adopt this leadership declaration. I announce to adopt this declaration," the prime minister said, on the first day of the G20 Summit.

The New Delhi Leaders Declaration focuses on "Strong, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth, Accelerating Progress on SDGs, Multilateral Institutions for the 21st Century and Reinvigorating Multilateralism."

Here are the top points from the New Delhi Leaders Declaration:

Ukraine and Geopolitical Tensions

• Concerning the war in Ukraine, while recalling the discussion in Bali, we reiterated our national positions and resolutions adopted at the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly (A/RES/ES-11/1 and A/RES/ES-11/6) and underscored that all states must act in a manner consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter in its entirety. In line with the UN Charter, all states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state. The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible."

• "Reaffirming that the G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation, and recognizing that while the G20 is not the platform to resolve geopolitical and security issues, we acknowledge that these issues can have significant consequences for the global economy."

• "We highlighted the human suffering and negative added impacts of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and energy security, supply chains, macro-financial stability, inflation and growth, which has complicated the policy environment for countries, especially developing and least developed countries which are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic disruption which has derailed progress towards the SDGs. There were different views and assessments of the situation."

• "We call on all states to uphold the principles of international law including territorial integrity and sovereignty, international humanitarian law, and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability. The peaceful resolution of conflicts, and efforts to address crises as well as diplomacy and dialogue are critical."

• "We will unite in our endeavour to address the adverse impact of the war on the global economy and welcome all relevant and constructive initiatives that support a comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine that will uphold all the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter..."

• "Today’s era must not be of war."

Sustainable Growth 

• "We recognise the critical role of private enterprise in accelerating growth and driving sustainable economic transformations. To this end, we resolve to work with private sector to:

  1) Create inclusive, sustainable, and resilient global value chains, and support developing countries to move up the value chain.

  2) Facilitate investments including Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) towards sustainable business models.

  3) Devise pipelines of investible projects in developing countries, by leveraging expertise of MDBs to mobilise investments.

  4) Promote the ease and reduce the cost of doing business."

• "We recognise that start-ups and MSMEs are natural engines of growth. They are key to socio-economic transformation by driving innovation and creating employment. We welcome the establishment of the Start-up 20 Engagement Group during India’s G20 Presidency and its continuation."

• "We recognize the importance of WTO’s ‘Aid for Trade’ initiative to enable developing countries, notably LDCs to effectively participate in global trade, including through enhanced local value creation. We welcome all efforts to mobilize necessary resources in this regard. "

Creating a More Inclusive World

• "We welcome the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 and strongly believe that inclusion of the African Union into the G20 will significantly contribute to addressing the global challenges of our time. We commend the efforts of all G20 members which paved the way for accession of the African Union as a permanent member during India’s Presidency of the G20."

• "We reaffirm our commitment to support migrants, including migrant workers and refugees in our efforts towards a more inclusive world, in line with national policies, legislations and circumstances, ensuring full respect for the human rights and their fundamental freedoms regardless of their migration status."

• "We note the UNGA Resolution A/RES/77/318, particularly its commitment to promote respect for religious and cultural diversity, dialogue and tolerance. We also emphasize that freedom of religion or belief, freedom of opinion or expression, the right to peaceful assembly, and the right to freedom of association are interdependent, inter-related and mutually reinforcing and stress the role that these rights can play in the fight against all forms of intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief."

• "We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including those on the basis of xenophobia, racism and other forms of intolerance, or in the name of religion or belief, recognizing the commitment of all religions to peace. It constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security."

Gender Equality

• "The G20 reaffirms that gender equality is of fundamental importance, and that investing in the empowerment of all women and girls, has a multiplier effect in implementing the 2030 Agenda."

• "Commit to eliminate gender-based violence including sexual violence, harassment, discrimination and abuse against women and girls both online and offline, and ensure safe workplaces in this regard."

• "Eliminate gender stereotypes and biases, and change norms, attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate gender inequality."

• "Support and increase women’s participation, partnership, decision-making and leadership in climate change mitigation and adaptation, and disaster risk reduction strategies and policy frameworks on environmental issues."

Other Important Points 

• G20 in its Leaders' Declaration congratulated India on successful Chandrayaan-3 mission to the Moon.

• The grouping will pursue pro-innovation regulatory/governance approach that maximizes benefits, takes into account risks associated with AI.

• G20 members resolved to work with private sector to devise pipelines of investible projects in developing countries.

• G20 members resolved to work with private sector to promote ease of doing business and reduce cost.

• G20 members recognised critical role of private enterprise in accelerating growth, driving sustainable economic transformations.

• The Declaration said that we have opportunity to build better future, no country should have to choose between fighting poverty and fighting for planet.