Union Minister Smriti Irani announced the establishment of the B20 Global Institute during the World Economic Forum in Davos, in line with India’s commitment made at the G20 summit in Delhi the previous year.
Taking to social media, Minister Irani stated, “Furthering India’s contribution to the G20 at WEF2024, it was a pleasure to formally announce the establishment of the ‘B20 Global Institute,’ a concept conceived during the B20 Summit 2023 in New Delhi.”
The B20 Global Institute, spearheaded by businesses, is geared towards reinforcing global value chains, harnessing digital innovations and artificial intelligence for societal benefit, advocating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, and supporting sustainability and energy transition.
Underpinning the principles of R.A.I.S.E. — Responsible, Accelerated, Innovative, Sustainable, and Equitable businesses — the initiative marks a significant stride in forging partnerships to address the emerging economies of the Global South.
N Chandrasekaran, Executive Chairman of Tata Sons, emphasized that the institute was envisioned for fostering global collaborations within the B20 platform.
As the official G20 dialogue forum for the global business community, the B20, under India’s Presidency, mobilized global business leaders to share their perspectives on global economic and trade governance. Throughout India’s G20 Presidency, the B20 India Secretariat, led by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), managed B20’s activities under the guidance of N Chandrasekaran, Chair, B20 India, and Executive Chairman of Tata Sons.
Key initiatives outlined by B20 India included the establishment of a B20 Global Institute, which would provide knowledge, research, and policy advocacy to global enterprises.
During the B20 summit session on B20 India Priorities and Recommendations on August 25, 2023, N Chandrasekaran announced, “We would like to announce a global B20 institute with a purpose for it to be an evangelist, a change agent, the knowledge base, thought leader, and a think tank with highly experienced people who will work with the B20 nations. It will be a global business institute based in India.”
The institute, led by businesses, will concentrate on building resilient global value chains, utilizing digital innovations and AI for social good, fostering innovation, sustainability, energy transition, and promoting ESG principles and inclusion. Its collaborative efforts with global businesses aim to drive opportunities on a worldwide scale.