G20 Summit | Netherlands FM stresses global commitment to 2030 sustainable development goals

Marking the ceremonial transfer of the G20 presidency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday handed over the gavel to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The event marked the end of the G20 Summit being held in Delhi on September 9-10.

In a recent interview with CNBC-TV18, Sigrid Kaag, the Finance Minister of the Netherlands, shed light on the paramount significance of attaining the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and underscored the pivotal role played by Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) in advancing this global endeavor.

The conversation commenced with a resolute focus on the 2030 SDG agenda, which represents an ambitious set of global objectives aimed at addressing critical issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and more. Minister Kaag expressed her steadfast commitment to these goals, emphasizing that their achievement is not merely a moral obligation but a fundamental necessity for the well-being of future generations.

Moreover, Minister Kaag highlighted the importance of addressing emerging dimensions of sustainable development that have evolved in recent years. These included digital transformation, the green economy, and the imperative of ensuring inclusivity in the pursuit of the SDGs. She called upon MDBs to take a leading role in incorporating these new facets into their development initiatives, thereby adapting to the evolving landscape of sustainable development.

The G20 Summit is an annual event that operates under the guidance of a rotating Presidency. This year, India has assumed the role of the G20's presiding nation. The G20 comprises the following member countries and entities: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union.