NEW DELHI: In an announcement made by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, India is set to engage with the Canadian Speaker of the Senate during the upcoming Parliament-20 (P20) meeting, a gathering of presiding officers from G20 nations and other invitee countries. The P20 Summit is scheduled to take place at the India International Convention and Expo Centre, known as Yashobhoomi, in Dwarka from October 12 to 14, with the official inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 13. Canada will be represented by Speaker of the Senate Raymonde Gagne at this significant diplomatic event.
The P20 Summit is expected to draw participation from presiding officers representing 25 countries, as well as 10 deputy speakers from G20 member nations and invitee countries. Over 350 delegates are anticipated to attend the three-day summit, including 50 members of Parliament, 14 general secretaries, 26 vice presidents, the International Parliamentary Union president, and the president of the Pan-African Parliament.
The overarching theme for the 9th P20 Summit is proposed to be "Parliaments for One Earth, One Family, One Future," emphasizing global unity and cooperation. The summit will encompass four key sessions addressing critical topics: "Transformation in People's Lives through Public Digital Platforms," "Women-led Development," "Accelerating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," and "Sustainable Energy Transition." These discussions will serve as a platform for international collaboration and shared insights on pressing global challenges.
Additionally, a pre-summit event titled the "Parliamentary Forum on Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)" is scheduled for October 12 at Yashobhoomi, focusing on environmental sustainability. An exhibition titled 'Mother of Democracy' will also be organized to showcase India's rich history of participative democratic traditions.
One of the notable aspects of the summit is India's intention to address various issues with the Canadian Speaker of the Senate, Raymonde Gagne. This diplomatic engagement comes amidst strained relations between India and Canada, stemming from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's statements linking Indian agents to the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expressed that while they will discuss the topics officially listed for the summit, other concerns will be addressed informally.
The P20 delegates will also have the opportunity to explore India's new Parliament House and participate in a cultural evening and dinner hosted by Speaker Om Birla, enhancing the cultural exchange and diplomatic bonds fostered during this important international event.
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