PM calls for human-centric approach, reforms in global governance

New Delhi, Sep 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the United Nations in New York today, calling for a human-centric approach to address global challenges and emphasising the urgent need for reforms in global governance institutions. The Summit, themed ‘Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow’, saw the participation of numerous world leaders, highlighting the shared commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive future.

In his address, the Prime Minister outlined India’s vision for shaping a better world for future generations, speaking on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians. “I bring the voice of this one-sixth of humanity to you,” he stated, highlighting India’s aspiration for global peace, development, and prosperity. He urged the international community to prioritise sustainable development while ensuring human welfare, food, and health security.

"When we are discussing the Global Future, we must accord the highest priority to a human-centric approach," Prime Minister Modi said, emphasising the importance of collective strength over conflict. "Success of humanity lies in our collective strength, not in the battlefield. And for global peace and development, reforms in global institutions are essential. Reform is the key to relevance!"

The Prime Minister drew attention to India’s achievements in lifting 250 million people out of poverty in the past decade, showcasing it as an example of successful sustainable development. “We have demonstrated that Sustainable Development can be successful. And we are ready to share this experience of our success with the entire Global South,” he asserted, expressing solidarity with developing nations and the Global South.

He also emphasised the need for balanced regulations to promote the safe and responsible use of technology. "There is a need for balanced regulation for the safe and responsible use of technology. We need global digital governance, which ensures that national sovereignty and integrity are upheld," he remarked. Reiterating India’s commitment to sharing its digital public infrastructure for global good, he said, “Digital Public Infrastructure should be a bridge, not a barrier!”

Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's guiding principle of "One Earth, One Family, One Future" and highlighted initiatives such as "One Earth, One Health" and "One Sun, One World, One Grid" as reflections of this commitment. "India will continue to work in thought, words, and deeds to protect the rights of all humanity and for global prosperity," he declared, pledging India’s ongoing efforts to foster global collaboration.

The Prime Minister also addressed the need for reform in the institutions of global governance, including the United Nations Security Council. “Reforms in global institutions are essential for them to remain relevant. Global action must match global ambition!” he asserted, adding that the recent inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 at the New Delhi Summit was a significant step in this direction.

While reflecting on terrorism Prime Minister said, “While on the one hand, terrorism continues to be a serious threat to global peace and security, on the other hand, areas such as cyber, maritime and space, are emerging as new theatres of conflict. On all these issues, I will stress, that, Global Action must match Global Ambition!”

The Summit concluded with the adoption of the outcome document titled ‘A Pact for the Future’, along with two annexes: the ‘Global Digital Compact’ and ‘A Declaration on Future Generations’. This comprehensive framework aims to chart a path towards a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable global order.

Prime Minister Modi’s speech at the Summit resonated with a call for a united global effort to tackle emerging challenges such as cyber threats, maritime security, and space conflicts. He warned that these areas are evolving as new theatres of conflict, necessitating a coordinated global response.

The Prime Minister noted that reform is key to relevance and called for urgent reform of the institutions of global governance, including the UN Security Council.