G20 to hold key Infrastructure Meeting

The second meeting of the G20 Infrastructure Working Group (IWG) under the Indian Presidency is scheduled to occur in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on March 28th and 29th, 2023. 63 representatives from G20 member countries, invitee countries, and international organizations will participate in the meeting. The objective of the meeting is to discuss the 2023 Infrastructure Agenda under the Indian G20 Presidency and follow up on the discussions held during the first IWG meeting in January 2023, held in Pune.

The Infrastructure Working Group focuses on various aspects of infrastructure investments, including developing infrastructure as an asset class, promoting quality infrastructure investment, and identifying innovative instruments for mobilizing financial resources for infrastructure investment. The Infrastructure Working Group’s outcomes feed into the G20 Finance Track priorities and promote infrastructure development.

The theme of the Indian G20 Presidency is “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” which sets the tone for the 2023 Infrastructure Agenda. The theme emphasizes equitable growth and aligns well with the discussions’ central agenda, which is building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban infrastructure. During the two-day meeting, discussions will focus on the agenda for the Infrastructure Working Group under the Indian Presidency. The flagship priority to be discussed in this meeting is “Financing Cities of Tomorrow: Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable,” along with other priorities outlined in the 2023 Infrastructure Agenda.

The delegates will be hosted for various official meetings, cultural programs, and a side event, “Roundtable of International Organizations to discuss Infrastructure Taxonomies,” in partnership with the Global Infrastructure Hub. The delegates will also experience Vishakhapatnam’s rich culture and beautiful landscapes, with an excursion planned for the afternoon of March 27th. The delegates will be hosted for “Ratri Bhoj Par Samvad” (Conversation over Dinner) to relish the local cuisine and enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh.

On March 29th, a ‘health retreat’ is being organized for the delegates on the beachfront. The retreat will introduce the delegates to yoga, meditation, and sattvic food. On March 30th, a Capacity Building Workshop for the G20 delegates will follow the two-day meetings. During the workshop, international experts from Korea and Singapore will discuss the international best practices of urban infrastructure financing.

The G20 meeting was preceded by various Jan-Bhagidari initiatives, such as model G20 sessions in schools, G20 Marathon, and a two-day regional workshop on ‘How cities can leverage private finance.’ The workshop was attended by over 70 participants, including municipal commissioners, mayors, and representatives from urban state departments. The Ministry of Finance will steer the G20 Infrastructure agenda to ensure that the G-20 acts as a global prime mover to envision new ideas and accelerate collective action.