GUWAHATI, DEC 1: Dibrugarh University participated in the event titled ‘University Connect: Engaging Young Minds’ organized by the Ministry of External Affairs and Research and Information Systems for Developing Countries (RIS) that marked the first day of India’s presidency of the G20 on 1st December 2022.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jiten Hazarika; Dibrugarh University G20 Coordinator, Prof. D.K. Chakraborty; Prof Seema S. Singha, HoD Commerce; Prof. Surajit Borkotokey, Dean Student Affairs; Hemchandra Dutta, Soft Skill Coordinator and a large number of students took part in the event in which a select group of 76 universities across the country were invited to participate and interact with the dignitaries.
Prior to the commencement of this virtual event, the students were briefed about the genesis, structure, scope and priorities of G20 by the Dibrugarh University G20 Coordinator and Dr Obja Borah Hazarika of the Department of Political Science.
In the event, which was joined by Dibrugarh University virtually , youth across the country were acquainted with the significance of the G20 by the speakers which included G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar among many others.
The essence of India’s theme of the G20–‘One Earth, One Family, One Future” which in sync with Indian values and traditions of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” was explained to the audience. The start-up ecosystem and entrepreneurial spirit of the country and the role of the youth were among the topics stressed by the speakers.
The opportunities for India, which as President of G20 stands in good stead – as an independent minded country -to overcome contemporary geopolitical, ecological and economic complexities, at this crucial global inflection point were underscored.
The Prime Minister’s vision for the G20 was outlined which includes an emphasis on technology-based solutions, the revolutionary potential of digital public goods, the Indian experience as a template for global solutions, the prioritization of the Global South during India’s presidency, the importance of the SDGs, the de-politization of the global supply chains, foster an environment for all countries to act together and promote honest conversations between the most powerful nations.
It was emphasized that India intends for its presidency to be a People’s G20 and it would not remain Delhi-centric. Some pathways for participating universities were outlined by the speakers on the role they can play as important stakeholders of the G20 during India’s presidency.
The event was crucial to raise awareness and bring in an international perspective on issues which are otherwise considered esoteric; and highlight the crucial role of the youth and universities in the G20 process.
Dibrugarh University has been identified by the Ministry of External Affairs and RIS to host year-long lecture series and organize student activities, coordinator Professor D K Chakraborty added.