Journalism of Courage
EXPRESSING CONCERN over a “global trust deficit”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged world leaders to overcome this “crisis” and collectively work towards “concrete solutions” on all issues – from global economy to terrorism, food to energy security.
“After Covid-19, a huge crisis of lack of trust has come in the world. Conflict has deepened this trust deficit. Just as we can overcome Covid, we can also overcome this crisis of mutual trust. Today, as the President of the G20, India invites the entire world to come together and, first and foremost, transform this Global Trust Deficit into global trust and confidence,” Modi said in his inaugural address at the G20 Summit.
“This is a time for all of us to walk together, and the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas‘ can become a guiding light for all of us. Whether it’s a turbulent global economy, or the North-South divide, or the distance between East and West, management of food, fuel and fertiliser, or dealing with terrorism and cybersecurity, or ensuring health, energy and water security… We must move towards concrete solutions for these challenges, not just for the present but also for future generations,” he said.
“India’s G20 presidency has become a symbol of inclusion, both within the country and beyond, representing the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath’. It has become a ‘People’s G20’. Millions of Indians have engaged with it. Over 200 meetings have been held in more than 60 cities across the country,” the PM said.
“It was in the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath’ that India proposed permanent membership for the African Union in the G20. I believe that we all agree on this proposal,” he said.
Modi began his address by expressing grief over the loss of lives in the earthquake in Morocco.
Welcoming the G20 leaders, he said: “At the place where we are gathered today, just a few kilometres away from here, stands a pillar that is nearly two-and-a-half thousand years old. Inscribed on this pillar in the Prakrit language are the words: ‘Hevam loksa hitmukhe ti, atha iyam natisu hevam’. Meaning, the welfare and happiness of humanity should always be ensured.”
“Two-and-a-half thousand years ago, the land of India gave this message to the entire world. Let us begin this G20 Summit by remembering this message,” Modi said.
He said the 21st century has the “potential to give a new direction to the entire world”. “It’s a time when years old challenges demand new solutions from us. Therefore, we must move forward by fulfilling all our responsibilities with a human centric approach,” he said.
