Karnataka Tourism to play host to First G20 Energy Transition Working Group Meet in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, February 4, 2023: Karnataka Tourism as part of its initiative has laid out the red carpet to international delegates from over 35 countries attending the Bengaluru leg of the G20 Summit Meet. The visit of international delegates to Karnataka reinforces 'Brand Karnataka' and helps to reinforce the 'One State, Many World' tagline of the tourism department. 

All the arrangements are made under the direction of Chief Minister, Basavaraj Bommai, Chief minister of Karnataka, and guidance of Vandita Sharma, Chief Secretary to Government and Kapil Mohan, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism.

The first G20 Energy Transition Working Group (ETWG) meeting under India's presidency will be held in Bengaluru from 5 – 7 February 2023. The meeting will have over 150 participants including G20 member countries, nine special invitee guest countries - Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Spain.

In addition, leading international organisations including The World Bank, Asian Development Bank, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and International Energy Agency (IEA) will be part of the meeting, the statement read.

Senior government officials from the ministries concerned will also participate in the ETWG meeting for which Karnataka is extending all its support and coordination. The first ETWG meeting will focus on areas like energy transition through addressing technology gaps, low-cost financing for energy transition, energy security and diversified supply chains, energy efficiency, industrial low carbon transitions and responsible consumption, fuels for future and universal access to clean and affordable energy. There will also be a high-level international seminar on 'Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)'.

Karnataka is hosting 14 G20 meetings (11 in Bengaluru, 2 in Hampi, and 1 in Mysuru). This is the highest after Delhi-NCR and the State is honoured to be given this opportunity. During the meetings and the stay of the delegates, we will be showcasing the State’s many offerings such as spikes, coffee, silk, handicrafts, handlooms etc. Excursion trips are planned within Bengaluru city as well as for Nandi Hills, Bhoga Nandishwara Temple, Mysuru, and Hampi. We would like to encourage, the G20 Secretariat to also showcase the Golden Chariot, South India’s only luxury train.

Being the nodal department managing this prestigious event, Karnataka Tourism sees this as a prestigious and landmark occasion to showcase the best of what the state has to offer to a global and well-travelled audience.

Karnataka is taking every step necessary to ensure the successful conduct of the G20 meetings, including venue management, accommodation arrangements, security, transportation, cultural programs, and more. The state will also be providing gifts and souvenirs such as silk scarves, silk ties, spices & coffee of Karnataka to the delegates during their stay in Karnataka.

To facilitate the smooth operations of the event, Nodal officers have been appointed for each vertical under the Chief Secretary with all concerned authorities such as Tourism, Kannada & Culture, Police, State Intelligence, Traffic, DPAR, BBMP, BIAL, and respective DCs. The department has ensured all arrangements have been put in place, with our representatives having regular interactions with the various concerned departments such as Dept. of Economic Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Council for Cultural Research (ICCR) and all concerned G20 coordinators to ensure G20 meetings in Karnataka are world-class and memorable.

Speaking on occasion of the announcement, Kapil Mohan, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism Department said "It is an honour to the state of Karnataka to host the delegates of the first G20 Energy Transition Working Group (ETWG) meeting under India's presidency. Karnataka Tourism will be showcasing the state's rich heritage and culture to the visiting delegates."

We have planned Live Performances of 30-45 minutes for each evening of G20 meetings through an eclectic mix of dances, music, and a cultural exhibition showcasing the state. An excursion to the Pavagada Solar Park is also planned during the delegate's visit to Bengaluru. Apart from this a visit to Infosys Crescent Green Campus has also been scheduled.

Dr. V Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS, Director, Tourism Department added “It is an opportunity for Karnataka Tourism and its stakeholders to showcase the best of Karnataka to this prestigious delegation and will help reinforce ‘Brand Karnataka’ as a destination of World-class monuments and heritage, its rich culture and warm hospitality!”

A Karnataka pavilion showcasing Karnataka’s products – silk, coffee, handicrafts, and tourism is also planned at the venue. The event will also display the ‘One District, One Product’ offerings of Karnataka.