Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa on Friday to attend the G-20 Summit from November 21 to 23. This summit is seen as a pivotal opportunity to advance the priorities of the Global South. On Saturday, he addressed the summit.
The G20 summit, held for the first time on African soil, began with historic fervor, with PM Modi laying out three major proposals aimed at shifting global development paradigms.
What Did PM Modi Say During the G20 Summit’s First Session?
PM Modi asserted that for decades, the G20 has shaped the world economy, but the current development model has deprived large communities of resources. He emphasized that these models have extensively exploited nature, disproportionately affecting Africa and the Global South. He presented three major proposals.
1. Global Traditional Knowledge Repository
The Prime Minister highlighted ancient wisdom traditions that have sustained natural balance, social unity, and cultural harmony across the world for centuries.
Source: aajtak
He advocated for a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository, inspired by India’s model of “Bharatiya Gyaan Pranali,” to preserve these sustainable life experiences for future generations.
2. G20 Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative
PM Modi emphasized that Africa's development benefits the entire world. He announced the “G20–Africa Skills Multiplier” initiative.
Source: aajtak
This initiative will operate on a train-the-trainers model, with all G20 countries providing funding and support. The goal is to develop one million certified trainers over the next decade, who will subsequently equip millions of youth with skills.
3. G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug-Terror Nexus
The Prime Minister voiced deep concern over the drug-terror network, citing synthetic drugs like Fentanyl as significant threats to global health, society, and national security.
He advocated for a unified G20 campaign to battle the drug-terror nexus, which will help curb trafficking, dismantle illicit financial networks, and combat terrorist funding.
Source: aajtak
PM Modi underscored the necessity of prioritizing the agendas of Africa and the Global South within the G20 framework, reiterating India's commitment to the mantra of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
PM Modi at G20 Meeting: Time to Establish New Growth Standards
Writing on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi shared,
