NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), held a workshop at the Taj Palace, New Delhi, focusing on fostering India-AU collaboration for a more inclusive world. The workshop aimed to discuss the implementation of the commitments outlined in the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (NDLD) signed during the recently concluded G20 Summit.
The event convened more than 50 experts and participants from notable national and international think tanks, academia, as well as diplomats representing both India and the African Union (AU). During the workshop, the attendees engaged in comprehensive discussions revolving around three key themes:
- Indo-AU collaboration for an inclusive world: The participants discussed methodologies to promote inclusive growth and development, reduce poverty and inequality, and ensure that all people have access to basic necessities such as food, water, healthcare, and education.
- Indo-AU collaboration for sustainable and resilient infrastructure: The participants discussed cooperation to develop sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including in the areas of energy, transportation, and water management. They also discussed how to support economic growth and development and make the world more resilient to climate change and other shocks.
- Managing Migration: The role of Indo-AU Partnership: The participants deliberated on managing migration in a safe, orderly, and humane manner. They also discussed the root causes of migration, providing support to migrants and refugees, and combating trafficking in persons.
The workshop received immense interest from the participants who gave valuable inputs. NITI Aayog will endeavour to use these inputs to develop an Action Plan that would facilitate in the implementation of the commitments laid out in the NDLD.
Dr. V K Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog, analysed the various aspects of India-AU cooperation and said that India and the AU have a lot to offer each other in terms of knowledge, skills, and resources. He urged the participants to come up with concrete proposals for cooperation in the three key areas of inclusive growth, sustainable infrastructure, and migration management.
Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog, spoke about the importance of agricultural growth and potential mutual learning between the two regions. He said that India and the AU can learn from each other’s experiences in agriculture and agribusiness. He also highlighted the need for cooperation in areas such as agricultural research, technology transfer, and market access.
Dammo Ravi, Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the importance of India-AU cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and development. Addressing the participants, Shri Sudhendu J. Sinha, Advisor, NITI Aayog emphasized the importance of India and the African Union (AU) to work together to achieve the goals of the NDLD.
