PM champions Minimum Govt, Maximum Governance

New Delhi, Feb 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday championed ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’ and proposed inclusive governance and global collaboration.

Delivering the keynote address at the World Governments Summit 2024 on ‘Government Acceleration and Transformations’ where India holds the status of guest of honour country alongside Turkey and Qatar, PM Modi stepped onto the summit stage on its final day as a resounding acclaim greeted the leader, demonstrating his widespread acceptance and popularity.

He delivered the keynote address to the World Governments Summit for the second time, expressing gratitude to UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Highlighting the visionary leadership of Zayed and Dubai's role as an economic epicentre, the PM commended the success of the summit.

He addressed the challenges of the 21st century, emphasising the importance of inclusive, technologically adept, clean, and corruption-free governance to tackle issues ranging from terrorism to climate change.

PM Modi shared insights from his 23 years in governance, advocating for a “minimum government, maximum governance” approach and emphasising grassroots participation in projects.

“The way Dubai is becoming the global epicentre of the global economy, commerce and technology is a big thing. I believe that it is the job of the government to ensure that government interference in people's lives is minimal. My biggest principle has been 'Minimum government, maximum governance. I have always emphasised creating an environment in which a sense of enterprise and energy in the citizens grows,” he said.

Sharing Indian experience on how the country had leveraged digital technology to further welfare, inclusivity and sustainability, the PM called for a human-centric approach to governance.

He also underlined India’s focus on people’s participation, last mile delivery and women-led development to achieve an inclusive society.

PM Modi showcased India’s achievements in financial inclusion, women’s empowerment, and youth development, attributing them to innovative governance models.

He underlined India’s commitment to environmental sustainability, advocating for a pro-people approach and global cooperation on climate issues.

The PM emphasised that given the interconnected nature of the world, governments must collaborate and learn from each other to address future challenges.

He highlighted that it was the need of the hour for governance to be inclusive, tech-smart, clean, transparent, and green.

PM Modi emphasised that governments must prioritise – Ease of Living, Ease of Justice, Ease of Mobility, Ease of Innovation, and Ease of Doing Business in their approach to public service.

Elaborating on India’s steadfast commitment to climate change action, he called for people to join Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) to create a sustainable world.

The PM elaborated on the leadership role played by India as the chair of G-20 last year, on a wide range of issues and challenges facing the world.

In this context, he highlighted the efforts made by India to bring development concerns facing the Global South to the centre stage of global discourse.

Calling for reform of multilateral institutions, PM Modi pushed for a greater voice for the Global South in its decision-making.

“India will continue to contribute to global progress based on its role as a ‘Vishwa Bandhu,’” he said.

The PM called for cohesive collaboration among nations, especially in addressing the concerns of developing countries, taking the Global South along, and tackling global challenges such as cybercrime and terrorism.

Reflecting on his G20 presidency experience, he urged collective action and mutual learning to achieve the summit's objectives of fostering collaboration and progress by reiterating the slogan of ‘Sab ka Sath, Sab ka Vikas’.

PM Modi had attended the World Governments Summit in 2018, also as the guest of honour.

The summit this time saw participation of 20 world leaders, including 10 Presidents and 10 Prime Ministers.

The governments and delegates from over 120 countries were represented at the global gathering.

The World Governments Summit 2024 was held between February 12 to February 14 with the theme ‘Shaping Future Governments’ and saw conversations that involved top governments, international organisations, thought leaders, and private sector leaders from around the world.

International cooperation enables governments to identify innovative solutions for future challenges, further rippling to inspire and empower the next generation of governments.

The World Governments Summit (WGS) has emerged as a pivotal global event aimed at fostering international cooperation and shaping the trajectory of governments for the betterment of humanity. Established by the UAE, the summit has evolved into a highly anticipated gathering, drawing attention from governments, policymakers, and the public worldwide.

With each passing year, the WGS has gained prominence, catalysing dialogue and collaboration on pressing global challenges.

In the context of an increasingly complex socio-economic landscape and the rapid advancement of technology, the summit provides a platform to address pertinent issues and explore innovative solutions.

Key themes for WGS2024 include government transformation, AI, future economies, societal development, sustainability, urbanisation, and global health priorities.

By convening stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, the summit aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, promote best practices, and inspire innovative approaches to governance.

Since its inception in 2013, the WGS has witnessed remarkable growth and evolution.

From its inaugural edition to the present day, the summit has attracted prominent speakers, thought leaders, and participants from around the world.

Prominent milestones include the establishment of the Museum of Future Government Services and the introduction of the ‘Best Minister in the World’ award.

Partnering with international organisations like the United Nations and the World Economic Forum, the WGS has expanded its reach and influence, fostering a global dialogue on issues ranging from climate change to youth empowerment.

With each iteration, the summit continues to evolve, reflecting changing global priorities and emerging trends.

By inspiring new generations of leaders and promoting innovative solutions, the WGS remains committed to shaping a more sustainable and secure future for all.