We must alter the path to progress
Introduction:
- The G-20 has provided Prime Minister Narendra Modi with an attractive chance ahead of the 2024 general election. The Prime Minister’s image appears in numerous G-20 promos. The G-20 has greater global significance because it is led by India, the world’s most populous country.
Governance is under threat:
- Global governance is in shambles. The line of action must be revised.
- Wars between states and internal strife are splitting the world – wars with military as well as financial and trade weapons.
- Millions of desperate people are being pushed back to their deaths as they attempt to cross borders and oceans in search of a better life and safety, while three multibillionaires compete to launch commercial space ventures that will transport a handful of wealthy people on a brief joyride in borderless space.
- Humanity cannot continue in its current form. The path of progress must be changed to make economic growth more equitable and sustainable.
- Economists utilise statistics to show that poverty is reducing and that incomes are rising for all. They should take a look around and listen to real people who are struggling to make ends meet.
- The Earth is steadily warming. It can no longer survive the current consumption-based economic growth strategy.
The importance of India’s G20 presidency:
- Einstein claimed that attempting to solve systemic problems using the same methods that created them is crazy. Adoption of a new paradigm is required for global governance.
- In 2015, all countries agreed to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.
- The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlight 17 complex interwoven environmental, social, and economic challenges. All 17 difficulties do not present in every country, and when they do, they take different forms.
- Every country is confronted with at least six or seven of the SDG problems.
- Even seven obstacles (out of a possible 17) can be compounded in 98 million different ways, according to calculations.
- Clearly, a single global solution for the environment, society, or economy cannot be implemented everywhere. On the ground, people are aware of where their shoes are causing pain. Standard solutions cannot be used in every case.
A map of ground reality:
- The McKinsey Global Institute’s research produced a detailed map of ground reality, indicating that GDP growth at the country level explains only 20% of improvement on the ground. The other 80% is specific and local.
- Top-down problem-solving theory is conceptually flawed.
- Complex systemic problems that arise in a variety of locations demand local system solutions that are identified via collaboration and implemented by communities that include economic, environmental, and social remedies.
- India has proposed a LiFE (lifestyles for sustainable development) policy to the G-20.
- LiFE Principle 7 also encourages world leaders to “recognise and expand the role of local communities, local and regional governments, and traditional knowledge in supporting sustainable lifestyles.”
The next step:
- Democracy is government that is run by, for, and by the people.
- A government chosen by the people that provides benefits from the top down is not a complete democracy.
- Change and new solutions must be pushed from the periphery of power institutions, through grassroots movements in India and around the world.
