India unveils G20-backed alliance for women-led development

India has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative known as the “Alliance for Global Good, Gender Equity, and Equality,” marking a significant step in the nation’s commitment to advancing women-led development. The initiative emerged as a result of the concluding Declaration of the Group of Twenty (G20) meeting in September, reaffirming India’s unwavering dedication to this noble cause.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development in India has been designated as the nodal Ministry responsible for spearheading this global endeavor. This announcement was made on the sidelines of the recently concluded annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. The primary objective of the newly launched Alliance is to consolidate global best practices, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage investments in key areas vital to women’s well-being, such as healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship.

This initiative is set to uphold the commitments made by the G20 for the greater benefit of the global community, in alignment with various G20 Engagement Groups and initiatives like the Business 20, Women 20, and G20 EMPOWER. Prior to the official launch, Smriti Zubin Irani, India’s Minister of Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs, engaged in fruitful discussions with leaders from around the world at the WEF, including Bahrain’s Minister for Sustainable Development, Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif. Irani is at the helm of the Indian delegation at this year’s WEF, demonstrating India’s strong commitment to fostering international partnerships.

The Alliance has garnered substantial support from major global entities, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the World Economic Forum, which will serve as its “Network Partner.” Furthermore, Invest India, the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of the Indian government, has been designated as the Alliance’s “Institutional Partner,” solidifying its commitment to driving women-led development on a global scale.