Swadesh Singh, sous-sherpa of C20 India told TOI that the civil society focussed seminar is crucial to the ultimate changing global political reality. Singh tells TOI that for the first time ever, India will endeavour to gain consensus among C20 nations on civil issues.
Here are the excerpts…..
When it comes to global conflicts, you are thinking of a different approach
We should try to think about conflict avoidance, rather than resolution. The latter happens after a conflict has arisen and that obviously brings a lot of different problems with it. We must try to see how conflicts can be avoided and for that involvement of civil society is crucial. If you look at the G20, the presidency is with countries which are in the so-called ‘global south’. Earlier it was Indonesia, now us and Brazil will get it in 2024. So the changing global-political equations are also to be looked at when discussing things with a civic perspective.
Consensus in C20, a new strategy is being tried out
If that happens, it will be a first. We are trying to build a consensus among all nations with regards to policy suggestions which is not very easy considering there are 20 countries involved and everyone has their interests.
How do you react to statements that right-leaning groups are involved in C20
I would say it’s a very democratic and diverse set up. Our C20 chair is spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi, the chief guest for inaugural event is Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi and even delegates come from different backgrounds.