Curtain-Raiser Press Release on 3rd G20 Sherpas’ Meeting, Hampi

The third Sherpas’ meeting under India’s G20 Presidency, chaired by India’s G20 Sherpa Shri. Amitabh Kant, is set to take place in Hampi, Karnataka, from July 13-16, 2023. Hampi, located along the banks of the Tungabhadra, was the last capital of the Kingdom of Vijayanagara, and with its’ magnificent Dravidian-style temples with their intricate designs and other monuments a UNESCO world heritage site.

The 3rd Sherpa Meeting spread over three days will witness the participation of over 120 delegates led by their respective Sherpas and Heads of Delegations from G20 members, invitee countries, and International Organisations (IOs), who will deliberate and engage in co-authoring of the Leaders Declaration to be eventually adopted by the G20 leaders in the New Delhi Summit. Guided by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision inclusive-ambitious-action-oriented-decisive, the Sherpas will negotiate the text reflecting Presidency priorities of Green Development, Climate Finance, Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE); Accelerated, Inclusive and Resilient Growth; Accelerating Progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Technological Transformation and Digital Public Infrastructure; Multilateral Institutions for the 21st Century; and Women-Led Development. It may be recalled that these priorities, arrived after incorporating the feedback from the Voices of Global South Summit have guided the discussions in the various work streams during our presidency.

While the delegates engage in intense deliberations during the day, the evenings will provide them the chance to have local experiences not limited to the rich heritage that Hampi’s austere and grandiose site offers but also to the local cuisine and cultural performance. Spread over 4,100 hectares (16 sq mi), where the forts and royal and sacred complexes tells stories, pillared halls sing, the mandapas and the memorial structures, water structures and riverside features stand witness to the gone-by era, the Sherpas will have an immersive experience. The delegates will visit historical sites and monuments of Hampi, such as the Vijaya Vithala temple, Yeduru Basvanna complex and the Virupaksha temple, the Rayas, Hampi museum showcasing of grandeur legacy. They will experience the local craft and handicrafts of Chennapatna toys, Kinhalla, Bidri, Ganjifa skillfully crafted and decorated by the local artisans. The majestic Stone Chariot at Vijaya Vittala Temple, Hampi built by King Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire during the 16th century, represent the beauty and artistic perfection of the Empire. Standing testimony to time the iconic Hampi Chariot finds recognition in the Indian currency of Fifty Rupees, and the chosen destination for the G20 3rd Sherpa Meeting.