Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 06 March 2024

CONTENTS

1. Insights from the Raisina Dialogue
2. Green Jobs and the Problem of Gender Disparity

Insights from the Raisina Dialogue

Context:

The annual Raisina Dialogue, a prestigious forum jointly organized by the MEA and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) serves as a platform for global leaders to address urgent issues facing the international community, attracting around 2500 participants from 115 countries in the latest edition. With the theme ‘Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create,’ the recent dialogue provided an opportunity to discuss the changing dynamics of the global landscape.

Relevance:

GS-2

• Groupings and Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India’s Interests
• Global Groupings
• Effect of Policies and Politics of Countries on India’s Interests

Mains Question:

Discussing the outcomes of the recently concluded Raisina Dialogue, highlight the important role played by think tanks in the realm of building international relations. (15 Marks, 250 Words).

The Raisina Dialogue:

• Modelled after the Shangri-La Dialogue, the Raisina Dilaogue is a key element of India’s “intelligence diplomacy,” operating behind the scenes but playing a crucial role in the national security framework alongside the diplomatic corps and armed forces.
• The conference, hosted in New Delhi, brings together individuals from political, business, media, and civil society backgrounds.
• Structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion, the Dialogue involves heads of state, cabinet ministers, and local government officials, collaborating with thought leaders from the private sector, media, and academia.
• The Observer Research Foundation (ORF), a Delhi-based think tank, partners with the Ministry of External Affairs to organize the conference.

Raisina Dialogue 2024:

Thematic Pillars:

1. Tech Frontiers: Regulations & Realities
2. Peace with the Planet: Invest & Innovate
3. War & Peace: Armouries & Asymmetries
4. Decolonising Multilateralism: Institutions & Inclusion
5. The Post 2030 Agenda: People & Progress
6. Defending Democracy: Society & Sovereignty

• A significant highlight of the recent Raisina Dialogue was External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s call for reforms in the United Nations and the Security Council.
• This call underscored India’s advocacy for a more inclusive global governance system that reflects the contemporary world order and acknowledges the emergence of new global powers.
• The conversations during the Raisina Dialogue delved into the intricate geopolitical dynamics involving Russia. India advocated for a well-balanced approach that offers Russia various options beyond closely aligning with China.
• This stance, amidst differing opinions from Western nations, reflects India’s strategic positioning as a ‘middle power,’ capable of skillfully navigating between conflicting global interests.
• The recent event in New Delhi tackled crucial topics, including discussions on the Indo-Pacific security framework, demonstrating India’s dedication to regional stability and collaboration.
• Moreover, discussions on cultural rebalancing and challenging biased narratives underscored India’s dedication to fostering more equitable representation in global diplomacy and questioning the existing status quo.

Significance of Think Tanks like the Raisina Dialogue:

Diverse Discussions:

• The significance of the Raisina Dialogue extends beyond its distinguished participants, encompassing its ability to generate discussions that go beyond conventional diplomatic channels.
• Through multilateral conferences and facilitated dialogues, think tanks such as ORF play a vital role in bringing together stakeholders from like-minded states to formulate solutions to shared challenges.
• By offering an informal space for the exchange of ideas among states, these dialogues promote discussions and cooperation on a broad spectrum of issues, ranging from security and defense to trade and climate change.

Impacting Policy Making:

• Think tanks play a crucial role in shaping and implementing policies, particularly in the context of India. While the Prime Minister and government officials articulate policies, the intellectual capabilities of these institutions significantly influence India’s cultural diplomacy landscape.
• The growing recognition of their impact on foreign policy is evident, as the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India actively utilizes their expertise to advance the country’s interests globally.
• The Raisina Dialogue highlighted India’s influence in shaping the future world order and its assertive stance on the global stage.

Noteworthy Participation:

The Raisina Dialogue draws in notable participants spanning politics, defense, diplomacy, academia, and journalism. Over time, it has hosted distinguished figures like former Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy:

• The Raisina Dialogue serves as a platform for think tanks to share insights on how India’s cultural diplomacy can nurture mutual understanding and respect among nations.
• These institutions provide recommendations on utilizing cultural heritage, soft power assets, and digital platforms to enhance India’s global influence.
• At its essence, the Raisina Dialogue underscores the increasing significance of think tanks in shaping international relations and cultural diplomacy.
• Furthermore, think tanks have a rich history of influencing foreign policy and diplomacy, with roots dating back to the Cold War era. Examples such as the Dartmouth Conference and the Neemrana Dialogue stand out as initiatives that facilitated unofficial dialogues between adversaries, resulting in confidence-building measures and collaboration on crucial issues.
• Leading think tanks, including the Observer Research Foundation, India Foundation, and Vivekananda International Foundation, play a pivotal role in shaping policies that showcase India’s cultural heritage and values on the global stage.
• Through extensive research, analysis, and strategic recommendations, these institutions foster dialogue and cooperation between India and other nations. The prominence of Indian think tanks in cultural diplomacy has seen a notable rise in recent years.
• Entities like India Foundation and Vivekananda International Foundation have taken proactive measures, offering innovative solutions and policy frameworks for cultural exchange programs, educational initiatives, and fostering people-to-people connections.
• Moreover, think tanks collaborate with universities and academic institutions to strengthen cultural bonds through educational exchanges, research partnerships, and language programs.
• By involving a range of stakeholders, including civil society, diaspora communities, and international organizations, they amplify India’s cultural narrative and facilitate intercultural dialogue.

Conclusion:

Through their research and advocacy initiatives, these think tanks actively contribute to shaping a dynamic and inclusive cultural diplomacy agenda for India. They not only play a vital role in promoting mutual understanding across cultures but also work towards dispelling cultural stereotypes associated with India in the Western world. By emphasizing India’s rich diversity and pluralistic ethos, they challenge misconceptions and foster a more nuanced appreciation of Indian culture and society.

Green Jobs and the Problem of Gender Disparity

Context:

The shift towards low-carbon development in India has the potential to generate approximately 35 million green jobs by the year 2047. Green jobs, as defined by the International Labour Organization, refer to “decent jobs that contribute to the preservation or restoration of the environment.” These opportunities span various sectors, including manufacturing, construction, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and automobiles, which traditionally exhibited lower female representation.

Relevance:

GS1-

Role of Women

GS3-

• Inclusive Growth
• Growth, Development and Employment

Mains Question:

Examine the status of female participation in green jobs in India. How can increasing women’s representation in green jobs lead to benefits such as boosting a low-carbon and environmentally sustainable economy? (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Green Jobs and Women:

• On a global scale, men are expected to transition into green jobs more rapidly than women. Despite India’s notable 250% increase in renewable energy capacity from 2015 to 2021, women constituted only 11% of the workforce in the solar rooftop sector.
• A 2023 study conducted by the Skill Council for Green Jobs revealed that 85% of green skills training was provided to men, while more than 90% of women expressed the belief that societal norms hindered their participation in such training for green jobs.
• These societal norms encompass factors like the perception that women are unfit for specific technical roles, safety concerns, lower representation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects, as well as familial constraints.
• In India, despite women constituting 42.7% of STEM graduates, they make up only 30.8% in engineering, manufacturing, and construction programs – pivotal sectors for green transition.

Significance of Having Women in Green Jobs:

• As India undergoes a transition towards green practices, promoting the empowerment of women and advancing gender equality in climate actions becomes crucial for unlocking the co-benefits of a low-carbon and environmentally sustainable economy.
• Augmenting women’s representation in green jobs offers several advantages. In the short term, it can address gender biases in the Indian labor market and enhance women’s participation rates in the workforce.
• In the long run, this approach can contribute to enhancing women’s agency and empowerment by creating economic, technical, and social opportunities.

Way Forward:

Address the Gaps in Data:

• Addressing the gaps in data is essential, as there is currently limited information available to comprehend the landscape of women’s involvement in green jobs in India.
• Initiating efforts to map emerging areas for green growth and collecting sex-disaggregated data on green jobs could serve as an initial step to enhance women’s participation.
• There is a crucial need to generate evidence regarding the current and future impact of low-carbon transitions on women workers and entrepreneurs.
• This involves acknowledging the hidden and invisible roles played by women across various sectors and geographical locations.
• Conducting gender analyses, gathering gender-specific statistics on green jobs through regular labor force surveys, and mobilizing additional resources are key strategies to highlight and encourage women’s contributions to the green transition.

Improving Accessibility:

• On a global scale, women are lagging behind in the worldwide race to achieve climate targets and sustainability goals. This is particularly evident in the shift toward a low-carbon economy, where new opportunities arise alongside job displacement and transformation.
• A significant step towards justice and inclusivity in transition planning was taken during COP 28‘s high-level dialogue, which launched the ‘Gender-Responsive Just Transitions and Climate Action Partnership.’
• This initiative focuses on improved data, targeted financing, and skill development to address the disparities in the transition to a more sustainable future.
• Given the existing disparities in women’s employment and involvement in green jobs, it is imperative to ensure that women have access to emerging opportunities arising from low-carbon transitions.
• There is a pressing need to reevaluate the current situation, delineate the existing roles of women, address structural barriers impeding women’s employment choices, and establish a supportive environment conducive to fostering their engagement in green jobs.
• To bridge this gap, essential measures include early hands-on learning, mentorship programs, scholarships, financial assistance, and awareness initiatives. These efforts are crucial in empowering women in fields related to green jobs.

Supporting Women Entrepreneurs:

• Supporting women entrepreneurs involves the implementation of gender-focused financial policies and products tailored to meet the specific needs of women in the green transition market.
• Initiatives such as collateral-free lending, financial literacy training, and the establishment of supportive networks are essential steps to unlock the potential of women entrepreneurs.
• It is crucial to develop appropriate tools for assessing creditworthiness, facilitating loan disbursement, and reducing operational costs for businesses owned by women.
• Additionally, promoting the inclusion of more women in leadership positions is vital for incorporating gender-specific needs into low-carbon development strategies, thereby facilitating women’s integration into green jobs.
• Achieving a gender-just transition requires a comprehensive strategy addressing employment, social protection, the reduction of care work burdens, and facilitating skill development.
• Collaborative efforts involving partnerships across the government, private sector, and other stakeholders are necessary to leverage the benefits of innovation, technology, and finance for women entrepreneurs and workers.

Conclusion:

Businesses need to acknowledge the pivotal role of gender justice and strive for fairness throughout the green transition process. This involves addressing barriers stemming from stereotypes or gender bias and creating equal job opportunities for a transition that benefits everyone. It is an opportune moment to enhance the capabilities and provide support to women, enabling them to meet the demands of the evolving world of work. This collaborative effort aims to co-design a future pathway that is socially equitable and inclusive for all.