Development is a core issue for the Global South, said Prime Minister Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the G20 Development Ministers' Meeting in the ancient city of Varanasi, a place known for its rich history and spiritual significance, on June 12 2023.emphasizing the importance of development as a core issue for the Global South. The Prime Minister's speech, via a video message, highlighted the collective responsibility of the international community to ensure that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are not left behind, especially in the face of the ongoing global challenges. Prime Minister Modi's address touched upon the importance of Kashi, in Varanasi, as a center of knowledge, discussion, debate, culture, and spirituality for centuries. He expressed delight that the G20 Development agenda had reached this historic city, which serves as a convergence point for people from all parts of India. He urged the dignitaries to explore and experience the spirit of Kashi, confident that experiencing the Ganga Aarti and visiting Sarnath would inspire them to achieve their desired results. He conveyed his best wishes for success in the deliberations to promote Agenda 2030 and fulfill the aspirations of the Global South. As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and crises in food, fuel, and fertilizer, the Prime Minister stressed the significance of the decisions made by the G20 Development Ministers for humanity as a whole. He urged the international community to send a strong message to the world about the action plan required to achieve the SDGs. In his speech, Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's efforts to improve the lives of people in more than a hundred Aspirational Districts, which were once pockets of under-development. These districts have now emerged as catalysts of growth in the country, and the Prime Minister encouraged the G20 Development Ministers to study this model of development as they work towards accelerating Agenda 2030. He also addressed the growing data divide, emphasizing the importance of high-quality data for meaningful policy-making, efficient resource allocation, and effective public service delivery. He spoke about the democratization of technology as a crucial tool to bridge the data divide and shared India's experience with digitalization, which has brought about a revolutionary change in empowering people, making data accessible, and ensuring inclusivity. While countries around the world continue to embrace digitalization, it is crucial that the G20 works together to ensure that the benefits of technology are accessible to all, particularly those in the Global South. This will require investments in digital infrastructure, capacity building, and the development of innovative solutions to bridge the digital divide. India's deep-rooted respect for rivers, trees, mountains, and all elements of nature was also highlighted by the Prime Minister. He recalled the launch of Mission LiFE last year, alongside the UN Secretary-General, and expressed happiness that the group is working to develop a set of High-Level Principles, which would significantly contribute to climate action. Prime Minister Modi the importance of gender equality and women empowerment in achieving the SDGs. He emphasized that India's approach extends beyond women empowerment to women-led development, with women setting the agenda for development and acting as agents of growth and change. He called for the adoption of a game-changing Action Plan for Women-led Development. EAM JAISHANKAR'S STRESS ON SOLIDARITY & COLLABORATION In addition to Prime Minister Modi's address, the G20 Development Ministers' Meeting in Varanasi also featured a keynote address by India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of solidarity and collaboration in addressing the pressing challenges facing the Global South. EAM Jaishankar highlighted the unprecedented and multiple crises the world is facing today, including the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. He noted that the weak and vulnerable are often the ones who bear the brunt of these challenges. The Minister acknowledged that progress towards the SDGs had been falling short even before the pandemic, and the current crises have only exacerbated the situation. He called for the G20 to demonstrate solidarity on developmental issues and work together to contribute to an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future. EAM Jaishankar also discussed India's ambitious 7-year Action Plan for Accelerating progress on the SDGs, which presents a coordinated, integrated, and inclusive roadmap for G20 actions. The plan focuses on three core agendas: fostering Data for Development and Digital Public Infrastructure, investing in Women-led Development, and securing Globally Just transitions. The theme of the Indian Presidency, "One Earth, One Family, One Future," serves as an urgent call for action. EAM Jaishankar urged the G20 to be bold in their ambition and to come together to address the crises as one. He emphasized the importance of reforming the global governance architecture and reviving global decision-making to be more representative, ensuring that no one is left behind. As the G20 Development Ministers' Meeting concludes, the international community must now focus on implementing the ambitious action plans and commitments made during the conference. The keynote address by EAM Jaishankar serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity, collaboration, and decisive action in addressing the pressing challenges facing the Global South. By working together, the G20 member countries can help to ensure that the SDGs are not left behind and that the international community remains committed to promoting sustainable development for all. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi's suggestions, like the call for a game-changing Action Plan for Women-led Development, will require concerted efforts from all G20 member countries to ensure that women are empowered and given the opportunity to lead in all aspects of society. The spirit of collaboration and solidarity that characterized the G20 Development Ministers' Meeting in Varanasi must now be carried forward into future international forums and events. With several important summits on the horizon, including the G20 Summit, the SDG Summit, COP28, and the Summit of the Future, the international community has a unique opportunity to build on the momentum generated in Varanasi and continue working together to address the pressing challenges facing the Global South.