The conference takes place amidst multiple global challenges including insufficient progress towards SDGs
The G20 Ministerial Conference on Women’s Empowerment to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from August 2-4, 2023 will turn the spotlight on women-led development and gender equality. The meet will explore ways to accelerate achievement of SDG: Goal 5, which seeks to ensure gender equality and empower all women and girls.

The conference, which will be chaired by Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Zubin Irani, takes place amidst global challenges ranging from insufficient progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), challenges posed by climate change and uneven pandemic recovery, the Ministry of Women and Child Development said on Tuesday (August 1, 2023).

"The G20 Ministerial Conference while focusing on women-led development will be an opportunity for accelerating achievement towards Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment and achieving SDG: Goal 5," the ministry added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver a special video address at the start of the three-day Ministerial Conference which will witness the participation of more than 150 delegates led by their respective Heads of Delegations from G20 members, invitee countries, and International Organisations (IOs).

According to the official schedule for the event, the discussions and deliberations will focus on the following themes:
1. Education, a Game-changing Pathway to Women’s Empowerment
2. Women’s Entrepreneurship, a Win-win for Equity and Economy
3. Creating a Partnership for Promoting 4. Women’s Leadership at all Levels including at Grassroots
5. Women and Girls as Change-makers in Climate Resilience Action
6. Digital Skilling for Women’s Empowerment.

The thematic discussions and deliberations in these sessions will reflect in the Chair’s Summary and will be provided as recommendations to G20 leaders.

Additionally, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), UN Women and NIPCCD will jointly organize a side event with support from the Ministry of Women & Child Development to identify the actions and policy levers in three keys areas of fiscal policies and tools for gender equality, the care economy and climate change challenge to accelerate gender equality.

"India today is going through major transformational changes with the transition happening from women’s development to women-led development. The belief and determination to remove every obstacle in the way of women’s progress and firm conviction that gender does not define potential is forming the basis of G20 Ministerial Conference on Women’s Empowerment," the Ministry of Women and Child Development noted.

The meeting being held under India’s Presidency will not only build on the work done by previous G20 presidencies, but will also take forward its mandate of enhancing G20's contribution to accelerate progress towards women’s empowerment and strengthen G20 efforts in fostering women-led development.

Describing Gandhinagar as "an exquisite example of a vibrant fusion of centuries-old architecture with modernity and cultural vibrancy", the Ministry of Women and Child Development pointed out that the city is known for its historical legacy, artefacts, handicrafts, arts, festivals, grand temples and museums and a rich civilization that flourished on the western bank of the river Sabarmati.

On the sidelines of the conference, participating Ministers and delegates will have have the opportunity to enjoy cultural programmes in addition to musical and dance performances showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India. Local cuisine and millet-based food will be served during the event to celebrate the International Year of Millets. Excursions have also been planned to provide the delegates with an opportunity to enjoy the vibrant historical heritage of Gujarat.