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INTERNATIONAL
In this view, China might be seeking a new paradigm that allows testament to the enduring importance
for greater influence and a more equitable distribution of power on of diplomatic dialogue and multilateral
the global stage. cooperation. The absence of major world
leaders and the intricacies of the negotiations
As the summit approached, doubts lingered over whether the illuminate the complexities of international
G20 leaders, representing a diverse array of nations with varying relations. It is a reminder that, even in an era
interests, could muster the consensus necessary to produce a of shifting alliances and power dynamics, the
comprehensive declaration. Geopolitical fault lines, notably pursuit of consensus and cooperation remains
exemplified by Russia’s actions in Ukraine, threatened to fracture paramount in addressing the pressing issues
the unity of purpose that is typically expected at such gatherings. facing our interconnected world.
However, after an arduous process of negotiations, marked by over
200 hours of discussions and 300 bilateral meetings, the G20 Sherpa Empowering Global Unity and Progress: In
teams achieved the seemingly improbable—they crafted a text that a world fraught with geopolitical complexities
garnered unanimous approval from all leaders. and challenges, the 2023 G20 Summit in New
Delhi, India, emerged as a beacon of diplomatic
Nonetheless, the final document, known as the G20 New Delhi finesse and collective ambition. As leaders from
Leaders’ Declaration, bore the marks of compromise. In contrast the world’s major economies convened under
to the previous year’s declaration, this document exhibited a more the dynamic leadership of the Indian G20
tempered tone. While the 2022 declaration explicitly deplored presidency, they collectively steered the course
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the 2023 text adopted a broader toward a more inclusive and prosperous global
stance, calling on all countries to “refrain from action against the future. This section delves into the summit’s
territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of noteworthy outcomes and the significant strides
any state.” It also urged the implementation of initiatives such as the taken to advance global interests.
Black Sea Grain Initiative to facilitate unimpeded grain deliveries.
A Nuanced Approach to Global Affairs: The
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s absence, much like China’s, added G20 Leaders’ Declaration of 2023 marked a
a layer of intrigue to the summit. Putin delegated representation to his departure from previous iterations, notably
Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, who later characterized the summit refraining from explicit condemnation of
as a success. Lavrov emphasized the consolidated position of the Russia. Instead, it adopted a nuanced stance,
Global South, attributing the summit’s achievements to their resolute calling upon all nations to uphold the principles
defence of their interests. He asserted that this unity prevented the of territorial integrity and sovereignty. This
West from steering the agenda solely toward issues such as the Ukraine nuanced approach underscored the G20’s
crisis, allowing for a more balanced discussion that encompassed the commitment to navigating complex global
pressing problems faced by developing countries. affairs with prudence and foresight.
In contrast, Ukraine expressed its reservations about the G20’s final Throughout the summit, the Russian
declaration but acknowledged its allies for advancing Ukraine’s delegation, supported by its counterparts from
position within it. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had BRICS and likeminded nations, championed
participated in the 2022 summit via video conference, was notably the depoliticization of discussions within
absent from the 2023 meeting. the G20. Their solid focus remained
steadfastly fixed on addressing the paramount
Key emerging economies from the Global South, including socioeconomic challenges of our era. These
India, Brazil, Indonesia, and South Africa, played a pivotal role in encompassed the alleviation of poverty, the
forging a compromise that enabled all G20 members to sign the reduction of inequality, and the preservation
final declaration. Their influence, along with the decision to grant of food and energy security. These critical
permanent member status to the African Union, with its 55 member issues had come under the sway of Western
states, underscored the growing prominence of emerging countries policies and unilateral sanctions, making the
from the Global South in shaping the future of international G20 an essential forum to counterbalance
relations. these influences.
As the world grapples with increasingly complex geopolitical Importantly, the summit emphasized the
challenges, the 2023 G20 Summit in New Delhi stands as a imperative of preventing geopolitical conflicts
w w w. d i va i n t e r n at i o n a l . c h