XLRI Jamshedpur Hosts ‘G20 University Connect’ Lecture Series

India holds the Presidency of the G20 from December 1, 2022, until November 30, 2023. The G20 in 2023 focuses on the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future.” This theme emphasizes the value of human beings, animals, plants, and even microorganisms, highlighting their interconnected existence on our planet and in the broader universe.

As a part of the G20 University Connect Programme “Engaging Young Minds” – a lecture series was organized on 30th August, 2023 at Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur in association with the Research and Information System (RIS) for Developing Countries and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India. The Chief Guest for the programme was Mr. Sanjay Bhattacharyya, Former Ambassador to Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Turkey & Egypt, Former Secretary- Ministry of External Affairs. The event saw participation from the XLRI community, encompassing students, staff, alumni, and management members.

The inauguration of the G20 University Connect Lecture Series at XLRI commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Fr. S George SJ, Director, Fr. Donald D’Silva SJ, Dean (Administration & Finance), Prof. Sanjay Patro, Dean (Academics), and Prof. Kalyan Bhaskar (Strategic Management Area, XLRI).

The event commenced with Fr S George, SJ, Director of XLRI Jamshedpur, extending his gratitude to RIS and MEA for giving the institute the opportunity to host the University Connect. He emphasized the significance of collaborative endeavors among member nations to address challenges related to sustainability, energy, climate, security, and peace.

The G20 University Connect Lecture Session at XLRI started by showcasing the official G20 video that introduced the Indian Presidency. The video highlighted the honor and privilege that our country has received through this opportunity. It also shed light on this year’s theme, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (One Earth, One Family, One Future), emphasizing the unity and interconnectedness of all life forms. The lecture series began with an address by Mr. Bhattacharyya shared insights on the formation of the G20, India’s priorities under its Presidency, and the role of youth in this global dialogue.

Mr. Bhattacharyya shared insights on the formation of the G20, India’s priorities under its Presidency, and the role of youth in this global dialogue. “Together, the G20 countries account for almost two-thirds of the global population, 75% of global trade, and 85% of the world’s GDP. Working groups this year will focus on global priority areas such as green development, climate finance, inclusive growth, digital economy, public infrastructure, technology transformation, and reforms for women empowerment for socio-economic progress”, he said.

The insightful session was then followed by a dynamic question-and-answer session, allowing students to interact directly with Ambassador Sanjay Bhattacharyya, facilitated by Prof. Kalyan Bhaskar.

“It was a wonderful initiative to engage young minds through the G-20 university connect lecture series. This was the 92nd such lecture and coming so close to the G-20 summit next week in Delhi, it couldn’t have come at a better time. The response to the essay competition was enthusiastic and students would have learnt a lot through this process. Some of the winners will get a chance to share their ideas on a national and international platform and this is how leaders of tomorrow can engage with issues of today”, said Prof. Kalyan Bhaskar (Strategic Management Area, XLRI)

The session was preceded by a college event in the form of a G20 Essay Writing Competition for students, a platform to showcase their insightful thoughts and contribute to global policy discussions. With the G20 Summit approaching under India’s Presidency. Their ideas have the potential to shape meaningful and impactful discourse at an international level. Towards the end of the event, the results of the competition were declared and prizes were awarded to 18 students (3 from each topic category. Topic categories included: Green Development, Climate Finance and LiFE | Accelerated, Inclusive and Resilient Growth | Accelerating Progress on SDGs | Technological Transformation and Digital Public Infrastructure | Multilateral Institutions for the 21st Century | Women-led Development.)

“We, the Committee for Public Policy Research at XLRI Jamshedpur, got the golden opportunity to organize the event from end to end. As a run-up to this event, we organized an article writing competition on campus to make the students aware about themes of G20. It was an enriching experience to interact with the ambassador, while learning more about how India is shaping up the contemporary discourse on all major multilateral forums. We are very excited to be given such an opportunity”, said by an XLRI student from the CPPR Committee. (Organising Committee of the Event)

A heartfelt vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. Sanjay Patro, Dean(Academics) and Fr. Donald D’Silva, Dean(Administration & Finance). The closing note, marked by the national anthem, instilled a sense of unity and patriotism among the attendees.

The entire XL Fraternity extends their heartfelt thanks to Mr. Sanjay Bhattacharyya, Former Ambassador to Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Turkey & Egypt, Former Secretary- Ministry of External Affairs for the G20 University Connect Lecture Series.