Dr Shenaz Ganai
Jammu and Kashmir’s potential to host the G20 summit offers the region unmatched opportunity and raises hopes for restored security and prosperity. The countries that used to issue travel advisories to the place, will be participating in the upcoming G20 summit in Jammu and Kashmir.The G20 is a global organisation that brings together 20 of the world’s largest economies to discuss policies and maintain financial stability. The greatest economies in the world, the G20 countries, make up a considerable portion of the global economy. The G20 countries had a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of around $82.8 trillion in 2020, according to figures from the World Bank. This is equivalent to about 74% of the $111.6 trillion global GDP. A high-profile event like this might have a number of long-term advantages and possibly change the socioeconomic climate in Jammu and Kashmir. The summit in Jammu & Kashmir will provide the world a historic chance to see the unmatched majesty and potential of this breathtakingly beautiful region, which is home to a rich cultural legacy, a prime position, and pristine natural surroundings.
To realise this ambition, the area must give top priority to significant investments in infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and skill development. This sensational summit is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the region to harness strategic partnerships and alliances, garner global attention, and move the region closer to self-sustaining economic growth, luring foreign investment, and opening up new and exciting opportunities for the local population.
Jammu and Kashmir will be placed at the centre of diplomatic ties and encourage collaboration by hosting the G20 meeting. Delegates will learn about the area firsthand, gaining important insights into its difficulties and opportunities for development. Jammu and Kashmir will have a chance to exhibit its assets and potential at the summit, forging relationships that can support sustainable development. The G20 meeting will promote understanding amongst the participating nations, which will serve as a catalyst for further stability and peace in the region.
It is a paradigm-shifting chance for world leaders to influence regional policy that could result in long-term peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir. I am reminded of a lovely verse that emphasises Kashmir’s deep roots and historical importance at a time when the world’s largest summit is scheduled to take place.
“Meyaatishe chinar hu, meylalded ka Kashmir hu,
Meysadiyon se jiyunyahan, meybahaduru ka watan hu.”
“I am the fiery Chinar, I am Lal Ded’s Kashmir,
I have lived here for centuries, I am the homeland of the braves.”
Additionally, the summit offers a singular and unmatched chance to advance peace and stability in the area. International leaders’ policy discussions may very well usher in a period of sustained peace and direct the area towards sustainable development. By making investments in healthcare, education, and skill development, the local community would be better equipped to take advantage of the summit’s potential, improving their well-being and fostering social and economic progress.
The area may take use of the event’s international exposure to boost its profile, draw in investment, and spur growth. By 2029, the World Trade tourist Council projects that the tourist sector would have contributed $460 billion US to India’s GDP. The summit offers the ideal chance to market Jammu and Kashmir as an alluring tourism destination because of its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Decisions and solutions to the economic challenges may be more informed as a result of the summit’s democratic structure, which places a great emphasis on open discourse and a range of opinions. Additionally, investing in the area can encourage economic growth and development, which will ultimately lead to a better future for everyone.
The summit will give world leaders an opportunity to come together and discuss the best methods to invest in the area and promote the growth of economies.
The creation of jobs, improved access to healthcare and education, and social stability are all necessary for constructing a more prosperous Jammu and Kashmir, and the G20 can do this by investing in the area. It will undoubtedly encourage a positive and cooperative environment that will result in brighter future for all.
The summit has the potential to unleash a tsunami of transformative effects and put the area on a new course for stability, economic expansion, and social advancement. Paulo Coelho, a Brazilian author, famously said that “when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
The G20 summit could prove to be a significant turning point in the history of the area if Jammu and Kashmir seizes this chance with tenacity and conviction, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a lasting and permanent development.
The area must prioritise investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and skill development in order to seize this opportunity. By achieving this, Jammu and Kashmir can realise its full potential, advance self-sustaining economic prosperity, advance peace and stability around the world, and create an amazing and motivational example for others to follow. I can still hear some lovely verses that emphasise Kashmir’s importance.
“One glance at this paradise, a moment in its embrace,
Kashmir’s beauty seizes the soul, etching memories one cannot erase.
A land of captivating beauty, for centuries in hearts it will shine,
This heavenly oasis called Kashmir, a testament to the divine.”
(The author is a former Member Legislative Council, J&K).