The Second meeting of the Development Working Group began today in Kumarakom, Kerala

Mumbai: Under India's G20 Presidency, the second meeting of the Development Working Group (DWG) scheduled from 06th April – 09th April, began in Kumarakom, Kerala's Kottayam district today.  The meeting saw deliberation on the theme 'Data for Development' by several experts, speakers from international organizations, academia, intellectuals, and civil society. More than 80 delegates from G20 member states, nine invited countries, and several international and regional organizations participated in this event. The first meeting of the Development Working Group was held in Mumbai in December last year.

On the first day of the meeting, a panel discussion in four different sessions was organized. The first and second panels deliberated on ‘Data for Development’, the third panel discussed ‘Green Edition – a comprehensive and integrated approach’ and the fourth panel had discussions on ‘Lifestyle for Environment and simply Green change’. During the inaugural session on 'Data for Development', Nagaraj Naidu, Joint Secretary and Co-Chair of the Data Working Group at the G-20 Secretariat, emphasized the importance of looking at data from a development perspective and using it for the public good. He also outlined that only reliable and accessible data obtained on time is useful, and special care has to be taken on how to use it effectively. Further, a side event was also organized for the delegates on Data for Development, Lifestyle for Environment, and simply Green Change.  

Over the next 3 days, detailed discussions will take place on various development priorities proposed by India which are likely to be outlined in the Development Ministerial meeting that is to take place in June. Considering the G20 Action Plan to Accelerate Progress on Sustainable Development Goals, Capacity Building Network on Data Discussion will also be included in this meeting.

The formal proceedings of the meeting will be inaugurated by Shri Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs on 7 April. During the DWG meeting, India's DWG co-chairman K.K. Nagraj Naidu and Eenam Gambhir will also hold a series of bilateral discussions with their G20 counterparts and guests.

On the sidelines of this meeting, a cultural programme for the G20 delegates in collaboration with the Government of Kerala will be organized, which will give them a glimpse of the heritage, diversity, and unique culinary experiences, of Kerala.