G20 MACS Meeting Kicks Off Today in Varanasi, Running for Three Days

Around 80 foreign delegates from G20 member countries, including Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union; and invited guest countries, including Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, and Spain.

The three-day meeting will be attended by the UAE, Vietnam, and International Organizations such as the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, World Health Organization, World Trade Organization, International Labour Organization, FSB, OECD, Chairs of Regional Organizations AU, AUDA-NEPAD, ASEAN, and Special Invitees by India, namely the International Solar Alliance, CDR, and Asian Development Bank.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as other Ministries, including the Ministry of External Affairs, are in attendance. Food security and nutrition, Climate Smart Agriculture, Digital Agriculture, Public Private Partnership, and other agricultural research and development concerns have been included for discussion. During India's presidency, the "Millets And Other Ancient GRains International ReSearcH Initiative (MAHARISHI)" is also presented for discussion as a G20 effort.

During the International Year of Millets 2023 and beyond, MAHARISHI intends to advance research collaborations and raise awareness about millets and other ancient grains. The government has made plans to provide foreign delegates arriving in Varanasi with a taste of India's rich cultural and spiritual history. The usual airport greeting has been planned. The District Administration has also made comprehensive arrangements for the delegates' transportation in the city.

Adequate security and safety precautions have also been prepared at the Meeting Venue and hotels where they would be staying. Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems for Healthy People and Planet is the theme of the MACS 2023. General (Retd) V. K. Singh, Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Civil Aviation, Government of India, will preside over the first session.  Following expert presentations on various sub-themes related to food security and nutrition, resilient agrifood systems, digital agriculture and sustainable agri-food value chain, and public-private participation in agricultural R&D, participants will engage in discussion and intervention.

A specific session on MAHARISHI is scheduled, including expert presentations and contributions from all G20 Member States, Guest Countries, and International Organizations.  The discussion on the MACS Communique will begin after lunch on the second day and will finish on the third day. The theme of the G20 Indian Presidency is One Earth, One Family, and One Future, which honours the spirit of cooperation and harmony among us in order to safeguard the world's future. On April 17, 2023, the delegates will be taken on a cruise to see the spectacular vista of Ganga Aarti. The Taj Ganges then hosts a welcome supper and cultural programme.  V K Singh (Retd) will attend the welcoming banquet in honour of the visiting G20 delegates. On April 18, 2023, the delegates will be transported to Sarnath.

They will be given a tour of the ASI Museum and Buddha Stupa, as well as the Light and Sound show. Following that, the Cultural Performance and Gala Dinner for Delegates are held in the tranquil surroundings of the Buddha Theme Park. On April 19, 2023, the delegates will tour the Trade Facilitation Centre and get a sense of the city's textile history, as well as live demonstrations of local artists manufacturing their products.

TFC is hosting a small exhibition of top institutions from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the State Agriculture Department. The delegates will be served at the venue with live made millets delicacies.  Following that, a farewell dinner and cultural entertainment are planned at the Hotel Taj Ganges. The delegates will depart for their respective nations on April 20, 2023.