Anurag Thakur inaugurates the 2nd G20 FCBD meeting in Bengaluru

By Payel Banarjee

BENGALURU, FEB. 23: Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur inaugurated the 2nd G20 Finance and Central Bank Representatives (FCBD) meeting in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the G20 theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ reflects the importance that India attaches to collaborative efforts to address global challenges. The Union Minister said, since its inception, the G20 has proved its role in building consensus in times of crisis. The program was co-chaired by Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth and RBI Deputy Governor Dr. Michael D. Patra.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 2nd G-20 FCBD meeting, the I&B Minister said that the Indian Presidency of the G20 is an honour where it can voice the concerns of the Global South and also showcase its expertise in various fields, to the visiting delegates. The Union Minister said, the global economy is still facing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the G20 can make a significant contribution to finding a global solution going forward.

The G20 FCBD meeting is being held from February 22-23, ahead of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting. The first FMCBG meeting after the FCBD meeting will be held from February 24-25 in which finance ministers and central bank governors of G20 members and heads of international organizations will participate.

The FMCBG meeting will be jointly chaired by Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman and RBI Governor, Dr. Shaktikanta Das. The meeting shall discuss issues such as strengthening multilateral development banks to address shared global challenges of the 21st century, financing for resilient, inclusive and sustainable cities of tomorrow and leveraging Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to advance financial inclusion.