SRINAGAR: The Department of Tourism, Kashmir hosted the Model G20 Summit at SKICC, Srinagar on 28 April, 2023. The summit brought together over 60 participants from Universities across J&K including Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Central University of Kashmir(CUK), Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) and University of Kashmir (KU).
The opening ceremony of the event was presided over by Dr. Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary to the Government of J&K, Department of Tourism and Culture, who extended his congratulations to the participants for their valuable contribution to the prestigious event. He expressed his belief that this event would serve as a stepping stone for the younger generation, opening up more opportunities for them in the future.
The event was graced by several Government officials including Mr. Faz-Lul-Haseeb, Director Tourism,Kashmir, Mr.Javid Bakshi, Director, SKICC,Dr. Riyaz Qureshi, Coordinator, Department of Tourism, Hospitality, and Leisure Studies, University of Kashmir, Mr Malik Waseem, Deputy Director Tourism, Kashmir (Recreation), Dr Deebah Khalid, Deputy Director, Tourism, Kashmir, Mr Ahsan ul Haq Chisti,Deputy Director Tourism, Kashmir, Mr Zeeshan Khan,Assistant Director Tourism, Kashmir (HQ), and faculty members from IUST and CUK.
During the event, the students actively participated in deliberations and negotiations while representing their respective G20 countries. The discussions primarily focused on the Tourism Priority Areas, such as Sustainable Tourism Practices and Gender Equity & Women in Tourism.
The Model G20 Summit served as a valuable platform for the participants to enhance their understanding of the workings of the G20 and the issues it addresses. It provided a unique opportunity for the participants to hone their negotiation and diplomacy skills, which are essential in today’s globalised world.
The event was brought to a close with a concluding address by Mr. Faz-Lul-Haseeb, Director Tourism, Kashmir, who acknowledged the efforts of the Ernst & Young team for their knowledge support, planning and making the event a success. He further appreciated he participants’ hard work and dedication and pledged to further promote constructive communication and collaboration among young leaders and continue to support the development of solutions to address global challenges.
