‘They will be feeling pain due to roaring success’
Excelsior Correspondent
Leh, Apr 28: Union Minister Anurag Thakur today said that the successful hosting of the Y20 pre-summit here was a befitting reply to those who had “tried to spread fear and confusion” ahead of the event.
Without naming any country, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports said those who tried to “spread fear and confusion” would now be feeling the “pain” due to the “roaring success” of the three-day event.
Though China, which skipped the Y-20 Pre-Summit here, has not made any public statement against the event, its close ally Pakistan had objected to organising of G20- related events in Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
The Y20 Pre-Summit was held in Leh as part of the country’s G20 presidency, but China was the only member in the group of nations not to send its youth contingent.
At a press conference, Thakur, who was here on the concluding day of the event where 103 delegates from 30 countries participated and deliberated on several global issues, said, “The (Y20) debate was very successful on the (listed) topics. When I say that the Y20 Pre-Summit was very successful, then some people would certainly have felt the pain. Those who before the Y20 (Pre) summit tried to spread fear and confusion… Going to the extent of saying that this event should not take place in Leh. (But) it happened in Leh and was very successful. I say this on record.”
He also said that India was setting new benchmarks in the hosting of G20.
“It is a privilege for India that we are celebrating the country’s 75 years of independence and also presiding over the G20. Several countries before us have held the G20 presidency chair and would have made great efforts for its success. But the G20 happening in India is setting new records,” said Thakur.
He added that the culture and heritage of the country had left foreign delegates spellbound.
“The discussions, deliberations and meetings (in G20) are going along very well. On the other hand, India’s rich art and cultural heritage has mesmerised around 12,000 people who have visited the country (so far for various G20 meetings).
“And when I say this sitting here in Leh, you can well understand why this place was chosen for the Y20 pre-summit. Ladakh and Leh have left the youth mesmerised. All the delegates I met and interacted with here from G20 countries were spellbound by the beauty of Ladakh, its monasteries, river, culture… They say they will return with their families and friends.”
He added that when the world talks about the future of youth, democracy and governance, there can be no better place than India to be hosting the G20.
“The Y20 Pre-Summit is progressing in the right direction and if I speak about the topics…When we speak about shared future, youth, democracy and governance, there is no better example than India. The country has the biggest youth population, the start-up ecosystem, the entrepreneurship, Indians being at the helm of some of the biggest companies in the world,” said Thakur.
The Y20 deliberations and negotiations among the 100-odd youth here will form the basis of the Y20 Summit to be held in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) in August and the key takeaways from there will be put before the Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi.
Thakur said, “India will eventually ensure the largest ever participation of the youth at Y20. I am confident that the Y20 secretariat and the team will set a record in Jan Bhagidari, which is the youth participation at G20 India.
“I stand by the firm belief that the Y20 summit in India in 2023 will exemplify youth-centric efforts and showcase progressive policy measures ideated by the youth and for the youth across the globe,” said Thakur.
The Minister also exhorted the youth across the world to “shape the national as well as international discourse” and take the lead in finding solutions to the issues their regions are facing.
He also urged the delegates to make full-hearted efforts to find solutions to global issues.
“You can’t find solutions to local or global problems without stepping out of your comfort zones, without collaboration and adapting to building consensus on pressing issues. And that’s why, I’m delighted that the Y20 summit 2023 has identified five critical themes that will serve as a guiding light for you (youth),” he added.
He said that there will be challenges along the way, and that a generational shift would be required. But for the betterment of the world, that hurdle needed to be crossed.
“I am aware that my generation was cautious, critical and had a lot of constraints and challenges. However, you (youth delegates gathered here) must move away from the constraints of the past, exploit the opportunities in the present to unleash the potential of your countries in the future.
“You must not be bogged down by prejudices, preconceived notions and get influenced by the world view of the past. The world of today is different and more dynamic. We are in an era of great nationalism, flatter landscapes and emerging alliances. Make the most of it now,” Thakur said.
Shedding light on the success of the Y20 programmes in the run-up to the Pre-Summit here, Thakur said it was heartening to see that some of the surrendered militants had also participated in panel discussions on peace building and reconciliation to usher in a new era of no war.
“Some of you will be surprised to know that even surrendered militants who were very active at one time and wanted, those surrendered militants participated in the panel discussions on peace building and reconciliation, ushering in an era of no war at Guwahati in Assam,” he said.
“Such is the power of Y20 as a platform to build connections, communications and community building. It is truly a privilege to be here amongst you all young and bright minds gathered from all the G20 countries.”
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