Leh, April 28: The Y20 Pre-Summit commenced today at the Sindhu Sanskriti Auditorium hall in Leh, Ladakh. The event was inaugurated by the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Ladakh, Dr. BD Mishra, in the presence of notable figures such as CEC LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyaltsan, MP Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, and youth delegates from approximately 30 countries.

During his address, the LG highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by the Ladakh Administration in areas like women’s empowerment, Anganwadi centers, agriculture, horticulture, handlooms, handicrafts, sports, carbon neutrality, electric vehicles, and more.

The LG also recognized the achievement of the GDC Kargil team for securing the first position in the sustainable campus challenge. Their proposal focused on stationary waste management in the college, centered around the theme of “reduce, recycle, and reuse.” The team and project mentor, Dr. Javed Naqi, received the award.

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Under the auspices of the G20, the Y20 pre-summit commenced in Leh on Wednesday with an excursion for the youth delegates, allowing them to explore the town. Subsequently, the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory, Brig BD Mishra (retd), inaugurated the ‘Ladakh Haat.’ This exhibition provided a platform for local entrepreneurs and progressive farmers from both Leh and Kargil to showcase their finest products.

The Ladakh Haat exhibition was attended by the first lady, Smt. Neelam Mishra, along with more than 100 youth delegates from approximately 30 countries, who had come to Leh to participate in the Y20 summit. Commissioner/Secretaries and other officials of the Union Territory Administration were also present at the event.

During their visit, the participants had the opportunity to explore some of Leh’s major attractions, including the Hemis and Thiksey monasteries. They witnessed the sacred mask dance known as ‘Cham’ at the Hemis Gompa, which happens to be the largest and richest monastery in Ladakh.

Additionally, the delegates visited the historic Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, constructed in 1517 to commemorate Guru Nanak’s visit to Leh, as well as the Maitreyi Temple, which houses the statue of Maitreya Buddha.

The G20 serves as a platform for experts, young leaders, and decision-makers from various nations to deliberate on crucial issues and propose viable solutions. India’s G20 Priorities encompass green development, climate finance and Life, accelerated, inclusive, and resilient growth, accelerated progress on SDGs, technological transformation, and digital public infrastructure, multilateral institutions for the 21st century, and women-led development.

Over the next two days, the youth delegates in Leh will engage in discussions and deliberations on these pressing issues.