The third meeting of the G20 Infrastructure Working Group (IWG) is set to convene in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, from June 26th to 28th, 2023, under the auspices of the G20 Indian Presidency. With a total of 63 delegates from G20 member countries, invitee countries, and international organizations, the meeting aims to continue discussions on the 2023 Infrastructure Agenda and build upon the progress made during the second IWG meeting in Visakhapatnam in March 2023.
The G20 Infrastructure Working Group is responsible for exploring various aspects of infrastructure investments, including the development of infrastructure as an asset class, the promotion of quality infrastructure investment, and the identification of innovative financial instruments for mobilizing resources in this sector. The outcomes of these discussions play a crucial role in shaping the priorities of the G20 Finance Track and advancing global infrastructure development.
During the third IWG meeting, significant progress will be made in advancing the various workstreams of the 2023 Infrastructure Agenda. The primary focus of this meeting will be the flagship priority of “Financing Cities of Tomorrow: Inclusive, Resilient, and Sustainable,” along with other key areas of interest.
Aside from the official deliberations, the delegates will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Rishikesh’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes. The organizers have planned various cultural programs and official meetings throughout the three-day event. Furthermore, on the afternoon of June 28th, the delegates will embark on an excursion to explore the enchanting surroundings of Rishikesh.
Two side events have been scheduled to take place alongside the IWG meetings. On June 26th, the “High-Level Seminar on Roadmap to Sustainable Cities” will be held in partnership with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
This seminar will facilitate discussions across three sessions, enabling G20 decision-makers to address key challenges such as climate change, infrastructure resilience, rapid urbanization, inclusiveness, and the role of technology, Infratech, and digitization. The seminar will also provide insights into the ambitious new city development project, NUSANTARA, in Indonesia, with the participation of numerous international and national experts.
On June 27th, a “Roundtable on Making India an MRO Hub” is scheduled, focusing on exploring the opportunities India presents in the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) space.
To foster cultural exchange, the delegates will partake in “Ratri Bhoj Par Samvad” (Conversation over Dinner), where they will savor local cuisines and experience the rich cultural heritage of Uttarakhand. Additionally, a “Yoga Retreat” has been organized on June 26th, 2023, allowing the delegates to embrace the spiritual and wellness practices for which Rishikesh is renowned.
The third G20 Infrastructure Working Group meeting promises to be an engaging and productive gathering, promoting international cooperation and sustainable infrastructure development. As the discussions unfold, the delegates will collectively pave the way for a future that prioritizes inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities, guided by innovative approaches and cutting-edge technologies.