The New Delhi Declaration, if followed in letter and spirit, is undeniably the most effective way to proceed if we want to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels

The G20 Delhi Summit under India's presidency will be judged by the New Delhi Declaration, which was adopted unanimously by countries representing 85 percent of global GDP. The manner in which India conducted itself enhanced its reputation on the international stage, and the Declaration serves as a reminder of India's values of peace and unity in times of crisis. If we can follow the path set out in the Declaration, it will be a testament to the scope and vision of a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.

Among the several challenges in the Declaration, nothing was more important than the consensus that the G20 nations arrived at in a very short time. It was heartening to see leaders agree that an effective energy transition will give the world a chance to have a better future. The world’s mightiest nations agreed that a just energy transition can improve jobs and livelihoods, and strengthen economic resilience. The affirmation that no country should face the choice between fighting poverty and fighting for our planet dawned clear. India’s push for developed nations to take more responsibility for their role in the global climate crisis bore fruit.

Finances for energy transitions

Green financing and financial inclusion to fast-track the energy transition are the need of the hour. The capital requirements of developing countries to facilitate green energy development and the finance required by them to acquire state-of-the-art clean energy technologies by 2023 were made clear. The G20’s promise to achieve net-zero targets implied that all member nations would have a “common but differentiated responsibility” and an equal contribution from everyone, making it a level playing field.

What makes the Declaration truly inclusive is the fact that it restates gender equality as a fundamental pillar of achieving growth. Investing in empowering women and girls has a multiplier effect on implementing the 2030 Agenda. Encouragement for women-led development, bridging the gender digital divide, and driving gender-inclusive climate action are some points that I address in my G20 co-edited volume, Pathways to Equality: Advancing Gender Goals in the G20. It is progressive to have similar ideas reiterated in an agreement of global importance—an assurance that we will step into the future as equals.