The G20 Leader’s Summit for the year 2023 commenced on September 9, 2023, at the Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition and Convention Centre in New Delhi. This historic gathering brought together leaders from across the globe for a momentous event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a heartfelt welcome to these distinguished guests, emphasizing India’s G20 presidency theme, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ which translates to ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future.’ This summit, the culmination of a series of ministerial meetings and engagements throughout the year, aimed to address significant global challenges.
Day 1 Schedule (September 9, 2023)
Morning Elegance (9:30 am – 10:30 am): The day’s proceedings began with the graceful arrival of world leaders and their delegations at the magnificent Bharat Mandapam. Against the backdrop of the Tree of Life Foyer, Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined his international counterparts for a momentous photo session, capturing the essence of unity. Subsequently, the leaders convened in the distinguished ambiance of the Leader’s Lounge within Bharat Mandapam.
Harmony in Thought (10:30 am – 1:30 pm): The first session, themed “One Earth,” unfolded in the grandeur of the Summit Hall at Bharat Mandapam. Following this enriching session, a working lunch fostered collaboration and camaraderie among the global leaders.
Diplomacy in Motion (1:30 pm – 3:30 pm): During this interval, leaders engaged in various bilateral meetings, forging bonds and charting pathways towards mutual understanding and cooperation.
Embracing Our Global Family (3:30 pm – 4:45 pm): The second session, ‘One Family,’ brought leaders together to discuss the bonds that unite us all. As this session concluded, leaders returned to their respective accommodations, ready to continue their journey towards shared goals.
An Evening of Unity (7 pm – 8 pm): The day culminated with an exquisite dinner gathering, commencing with a warm welcome photo session. Leaders and heads of delegations came together, celebrating the spirit of collaboration.
Conversations Under the Stars (8 pm – 9 pm): Over dinner, the world’s leaders engaged in meaningful conversations, sharing their visions and perspectives in an atmosphere of camaraderie and goodwill.
Reflection and Rest (9 pm – 9:45 pm): To wrap up the day, leaders and heads of delegations reconvened in the serene ambiance of the leaders’ lounge at Bharat Mandapam before retiring to their respective accommodations, prepared for the events of the following day.
Day 2 Itinerary (September 10, 2023)
Harmonious Beginnings (8:15 am – 9 am): The leaders and heads of delegations made their dignified arrivals at Rajghat, each in their individual motorcades, symbolizing unity in diversity.
Tribute to the Mahatma (9:00 am – 9:20 am): A solemn and touching moment awaited as the leaders paid their respects by laying a wreath at the sacred Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi. The atmosphere was filled with the serenity of his favorite devotional songs performed live.
Gathering at the Leaders’ Lounge (9:20 am): Following this poignant tribute, leaders and heads of delegations convened at the prestigious Leaders’ Lounge within Bharat Mandapam.
Unity in Green (9:40 am – 10:15 am): A symbolic gesture of environmental stewardship took place as leaders and heads of delegation assembled at Bharat Mandapam. They participated in a tree planting ceremony at the South Plaza, underlining their commitment to a sustainable future.
Charting Our Collective Destiny (10:30 am – 12:30 pm): The third session of the summit, aptly named ‘One Future,’ commenced at the venue. Here, leaders deliberated on the path forward for our shared global destiny. The session concluded with the momentous adoption of the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, reflecting the collective aspirations of nations united for a better tomorrow.
Prominent leaders attending the event in the country’s capital over the weekend included US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
It’s worth noting that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin were absent from the weekend summit. However, China was represented by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and Russia was represented by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.