Overview : C20 "You are the Light"

C20 India 2023 is an important part of the G20 that gives civil society organizations (CSOs) from around the world a way to communicate with the leaders of the G20. It helps empower CSOs by giving them a dedicated space to speak up for their rights and interests. C20 India 2023 acts as a voice for CSOs and makes sure that the concerns and priorities of the global population are heard by the G20 leaders. It connects civil society with the G20, encouraging discussions and collaboration to address important issues that affect people everywhere.

The main goal is to promote inclusive social and economic development, making sure that no one is left behind. By involving a diverse range of CSOs, the group generates new ideas and suggestions that can benefit society as a whole. Overall, C20 India 2023 plays a crucial role in building a strong relationship between civil society and the G20. It encourages meaningful discussions and speaks up for the hopes and well-being of people worldwide. Its efforts aim to create a fair and sustainable world where everyone's voice is valued and respected.

The recently concluded C20 India Summit - Arunachal Unit, held in Namsai, with the theme "Diversity, Inclusion, Mutual Respect” brought together global leaders, experts, and policymakers to discuss and promote these values at a community level. This significant event provided a platform for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to voice their aspirations and concerns, creating an opportunity for meaningful dialogue and action. The summit showcased Arunachal Pradesh's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and fostering global understanding and collaboration. Let's take a closer look at the preparations, key highlights, and the lasting impact of the C20 Summit.

Preparation for the C20

Arunachal’s Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein played a pivotal role in overseeing the preparations and personally inspecting the venues for important conferences and meetings that were held during the summit and accommodations for the delegates.The preparations reflected the Govt of Arunachal Pradesh’s commitment towards showcasing the state's rich heritage in front of the participating delegates, while also ensuring their comfort and satisfaction during their stay in Arunachal. A day prior to the event saw Chowna Mein receiving and facilitatingseveral delegates upon their arrival at theirdesignated venues.

The  Inaugural,Plenary and Valedictory Session

CM Pema Khandu inaugurated the first session of the C20 summit in the presence of esteemed attendees.The plenary sessions that followed the inauguration encompassed a broad range of subjects. Distinguished speakers including Vice Chairman, RMP and Chairman of ICCR Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Padmashree Nivedita Bhide and Nidhi Goyal, led discussions on diverse topics, such as the overarching theme of the summit, which focused on understanding inclusion and mutual respect for individuals with disabilities and gender-related issues. Additionally, the sessions delved into the significance of indigenous communities' culture and faith, as well as the rejuvenation of ancient traditions to foster a more inclusive and harmonious global order. These sessions served as a platform for sharing insights, exchanging ideas, and formulating strategies to tackle the societal challenges faced worldwide.

The valedictory session marked the conclusion of the summit, with addresses by Tapir Gao, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha (Eastern Arunachal Pradesh) and Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. The session was summarized in the form of key takeaways from the seminar by Padmashree Nivedita Bhide, Vice President of Vivekananda Kendra and Member of the Steering Committee.

A major highlight of the C20 Summit was the stall exhibition, where the locals had the opportunity to showcase their respective cultures, traditions, and crafts to the delegates. The inauguration of the exhibition stall, led by Pema Khandu,Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, provided an opportunity for delegates to explore diverse cultural exhibits.This exhibition served as a bridge for cultural exchange, allowing participants to learn about the unique customs and practices of different regions.

Key highlights of C20

During the C20 India 2023 Summit, delegations from 23 countries visited Arunachal Pradesh and explored the cultural and historical treasures of the State. During their visit, they were able to witness the following attractions:

1.The Golden Pagoda, which now features a dedicated C20 park.

2.The model villages of Empong and Jona-I, showcasing unique local traditions and lifestyles.

3.The renowned RIWATCH (Research Institute of World's Ancient Traditions, Cultures & Heritage), which is dedicated to studying and preserving the world's ancient traditions, cultures, and heritage.

More than 150 delegates from across the world attended the conclave organized by Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari in collaboration with the Govt of Arunachal Pradesh. The delegates include the former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Korn Dabbaransi, High Commissioner of Republic of Costa Rica, Lakshmipriya Pb, and High Commissioner of Venezuela, Alfredo Caldera.

The C20 Summit held in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh was a remarkable event that brought together leaders from across the globe. The summit focused on promoting diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect in today's societies. Namsai, known for its rich cultural heritage, showcased its commitment towards preserving its traditions and promoting inclusivity during the summit. The event provided a platform to exhibit the state's diverse traditions and craftsmanship, fostering a sense of pride among local communities. It also facilitated the exchange of ideas and best practices, strengthening Arunachal Pradesh's efforts in preserving its cultural identity and fostering global understanding and collaboration. Namsai District, often called the "Land of Pagodas," is now on its way to becoming a hub for conferences, summits, and conclaves.

The C20 Summit delivered a clear message about revitalizing culture, respecting indigenous traditions, and striking a balance between development and the environment.It proposed moving away from focusing only on our own culture and species to accommodate a more inclusive perspective that values all living beings. Namsai's ability to successfully accommodate such a large national and international gathering is commendable and serves as an example for other districts to follow. Overall, the C20 Summit in Namsai was a resounding success in promoting cultural preservation, inclusivity, and global unity.

The C20 summit here at Namsai were being attended by delegates from countries like Armenia, Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Mexico, Myanmar, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, the USA, and Venezuela, along with representatives of all CBOs Arunachal and civil society organizations.