C20 SEWA

What is G20?

Group of 20 (G20), is an international body created in 1999 that provides a forum for Strategic Economic communication between industrialized and developing countries. The G20 originated as a response to the economic rises of the late 1990s. The G20 initially focused largely on broad macroeconomic issues, but it has since expanded its agenda to inter-alia including trade, climate change, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, climate change, and anti-corruption.

India, is holding G20 Presidency for the first time since the body’s inception. This occasion falls in line with the country celebrating its 75th year of independence.This Presidency brings forth an opportunity for our country to showcase its leadership abilities at the global stage. The future 25-year period leading to the centenary celebration of its independence, promises a futuristic, prosperous, inclusive, and developed society, distinguished by a human centric approach at its core.
As part of the India’s G20 presidency, there are Engagement Groups which bring together Civil societies, Parliamentarians, Think tanks, Women, Youth, Labor, Businesses and Researchers of the G20 countries aiming to discuss and present their views on the objectives of the G20 Summit and deliver prospective policy packs.

A nation deeply committed to Democracy and Multilateralism, India’s G20 Presidency is a watershed moment in her history as it seeks to play an important role by finding pragmatic global solutions for the wellbeing of all, and in doing so, manifest the true spirit of:

Groups

Working Groups of Civil20

The Civil20 (C20) Engagement Group was launched as an official G20 Engagement Group in 2013. The Engagement Groups are independent collectives that are led by organizations from the host country. They work with other organizations from G20 countries to develop policy recommendations that are formally submitted to G20 leaders for consideration.

The C20 is an open community, channelling the voice of civil society around the world into the G20 process. C20 provides a platform for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) around the world to bring forth a non-government and non-business voice to G20.

C20 India 2023 comprises of 14 working groups, with each focusing on different objectives. These working groups are conducting various conferences and outreach programs across the nation from 11th March to 31st July 2023.

Guiding

Principle

Guided by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or “world is one family”, the C20 India 2023 logo: flame of hope, self-motivation, and selfless service and its theme #YouAreTheLight calls for collective effort. The civil society culture is shaped by illustrious figures who have provided solutions to social problems and this tradition is continued through self-motivated efforts to address social challenges. Joining together, members of civil society can make their own paths and find solutions through volunteerism.

Objectives of Civil 20

  • The C20 aims to address global issues and advocate for policy changes that align with their values.
  • Formation of the C20 Policy Pack to be done through a transparent, inclusive, and participatory process that encourages collaboration.
  • Promoting autonomous decision-making authority to C20 member organizations, free from any undue influence by non-civil society actors.
  • Establish community-driven change as a model of development for sustainability, imagination, and regeneration. Explore models of bottom-up change, with a specific focus on unique elements, and local culture.
  • Identify existing inequalities and promote the forms of equality by urging G20 governments to address human rights violations and empower women and men at both the country and global level.
  • Promote greater and more diverse participation of civil society actors and marginalized groups through cross-country collaboration, while rejecting all forms of discrimination.
  • Reflect the diverse perspectives and experiences of CSOs on topics including those outside the current G20 agenda, by building on previous processes and ensuring global representation and inclusion in all discussions.

Outcomes

  • Information of CSOs working on all the themes in India and the G20 Nations.
  • Policy pack that provides inputs on ways and means through which the civil societies play a role in global policy formulation.
  • Promoting and encouraging innovative ways of livelihood and employment through the integration of civil societies.
  • More engagement from Civil Societies in India and G20 Nations on integration.
Sewa

Sense of Service, Philanthropy and Volunteerism

Sewa is one of the thematic working groups of Civil20. Sewa is a Sanskrit word for service, primarily meaning selfless contribution to something that goes beyond the idea of doing things for one’s personal interest or gain. One of the oldest references to ‘Sewa’ is in the form of the shloka ‘Sewa’ Parmo Dharma implies ‘service to humanity is the highest religion’. This is considered one of the highest human values for the entire humanity. Service is one of the acts of sincere, caring, and expert help; it can be physical, emotional, educational, professional and coping skills, cultural, civic, structural, recreational, personal assistance, etc. when someone does something for others. Human services are all about helping people and stability. They can include everything from providing basic needs like food and shelter to offering guidance, counseling, and substance abuse treatment with the goal of promoting self-sufficiency and happiness in people’s lives. Any kind of social service seems like it could fit the definition of human services. Services suggest working on something for the well-being of others.

Objectives of Sewa Working Group

  • Establish SEWA as a philosophical foundation for civil society groups globally, in the form of frameworks, structures, and systems. Trace the relevance of SEWA across the geography and culture of India and comparative philosophies globally.
  • SEWA is the blueprint for achieving Developmental Goals for the betterment of society and a sustainable future for all.
  • Explore Volunteerism as a core element of the way of life and a tool for community work with dialogue and discussions on models and frameworks from across the world.
  • Establish community-driven change as a model of development for sustainability, imagination, and regeneration. Explore models of bottom-up change, with a specific focus on unique elements, and local culture
  • Explore philanthropy’s past, present, and future with examples and models from across the world. Explore emerging concepts, channels, and strategies in fundraising while fostering global dialogues and connections
  • Encouraging youth / Children to engage in Social Service can be a great way to promote community involvement and help them develop valuable skills.