INEW DELHI: India will host the 2023 Group of 20 Nations Summit on 9 – 10 September in New Delhi. The G20 is a premier intergovernmental forum for the world’s developed and emerging economies on advancing social, environmental and economic development.Through the all encompassing G20 theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kuṭaṁbakam — One Earth, One Family, One Future’, India is disseminating the message that global communities and leaders must surmount national boundaries and find collective solutions.Within the G20, a key engagement group is C20 whose purpose is to bring the concerns of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from around the world to the G20 Summit.It aims at “Facilitating a sustained exchange of critical reflection and political perspectives amongst civil society in and beyond G20 countries and G20 agenda.” Specific C20 areas of focus include:Integrated Holistic Health:Mind, Body and the Environment.Sustainable & Resilient Communities: Climate, Environment, and Net Zero Targets.Digitisation and Education in the Post-COVID world.Gender Equality and Disability.Technology, Security, and Transparency.
Humanitarian leader and Chancellor Amma (Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi) of Amrita University was appointed the Chair of C20. At the C20 inaugural ceremony on 16th Jan.2023, attended by distinguished dignitaries, government ministers, spiritual leaders and NGOs, Amma initiated a ₹50 crore Rupee ($6.25 million USD) project to support the welfare of people with disabilities and pregnant women who are malnourished.“This is an auspicious occasion. We have embarked on a mission to restore the dwindling light of the world. This is a historic year in which India has received the opportunity to assume the presidency of the G20 nations. The Indian Government and Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi have given us the tremendous responsibility of successfully facilitating the process of Civil Society 20. May we be able to do justice to this endeavour,” said Amma.
“The C20 should become a meeting of hearts and minds. It is the only way to awaken ourselves and others.”
The MA Math Ashram in Amritapuri, Kerala, will collaborate closely with local Civil Society Organisations to bring about a tangible change for the lives of its beneficiaries in underdeveloped districts across India, as well as in other developing nations.Amma and many eminent speakers presented the inspirational breadth of C20 initiatives and goals during the inaugural ceremony.At the December launch of the C20 India 2023 “You are the Light’ logo ” Amma explained it symbolizes the flame of hope, self-motivation and selfless service. Its significance is to illuminate the world and all sentient things in it.” She hopes the C20 will “find solutions and resolve issues through collective effort. May our actions talk louder than our words. May they create ripples of love, compassion, and respect in human hearts.”All CSOs in Australia are also welcomed to participate in C20 Activitie. Details are at: https://civil20.net
They may elect to voice their concerns and recommendations for policy improvements on various societal well-being matters including access to technology, financial security for the disadvantaged and minority groups, healthcare and more.NGOs are invited to contribute to C20 by highlighting “key priorities” in one of the following ways:• Participate in a virtual event (attend, host, or speak).• Attend an international event of CSOs in India on May 13 & 14, 2023.• Showcase specific successful programs that can be scaled or replicated in other countries.For further information; please contact the Co-Chair of the C20 Working Group on Technology and Associate Professor RMIT, Dr. Nava Subramaniam at tst.c20india@gmail.com
Amma’s organisations in Australia, The MA Centre (Aust) Foundation www.amritaaustralia.org.au
and Amrita Australia Limited Home – amritaaustralia.org.au are dedicated to supporting the C20, and local communities.
Swami Atmananda Puri, Amma‘s visiting representative, may be contacted at the Melbourne Ashram: 842 Frankston-Dandenong Rd. Carrum Downs 3201, 61 39782 9398 melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au Source- Amma’s Melbourne Ashram
