Development core issue for Global South: PM Modi at G20 meet

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and other delegates during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s virtual address at the Development Ministers’ meeting. (PTI)

Modi also called for reforms in multilateral financial institutions, particularly in expansion of eligibility criteria, to ensure that “finance is accessible to those in need”. He cited India’s Aspirational Districts programme. Calling them pockets of under-development, he said, “Our experience shows that they have now emerged as the catalysts of growth in the country. I urge the G20 Development Ministers to study this model of development. It may be relevant as you work towards accelerating Agenda 2030.”

VIDEO | Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar welcomes delegates at the G20 Development Ministers’ meeting, which is being held in Varanasi. pic.twitter.com/9MwNBR02DB

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 12, 2023

Highlighting the issue of growing data divide, Modi said that high-quality data is critical for meaningful policy-making, efficient resource allocation, and public service delivery. He said that “the democratisation of technology is a crucial tool to help bridge the data divide”. In India, he said, digitalisation has brought about a revolutionary change where technology is being used as a tool to empower people, make data accessible, and ensure inclusivity. He added that India is willing to share its experience with partner countries.

Modi also stressed upon a pro-planet lifestyle, recalling the launch of Mission LiFE in 2022, and also underlining the importance of gender equality and women empowerment in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The PM welcomed the delegates to Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency, calling it the oldest living city of the mother of democracy. Highlighting the significance of Kashi, he said that it has been the centre of knowledge, discussion, debate, culture, and spirituality for centuries, and encouraged the delegates to go out, explore, and experience the spirit of Kashi.

In his keynote address, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is chairing the session, said that the world faces unprecedented and multiple challenges today – owing to conflict, pandemic, climate change and stubborn inflation. “As always, in such times, the weak and vulnerable bear the brunt,” he said.

“Prospects for a global economic recovery remain dim amid supply-chain disruptions, prolonged debt crisis and pressures on energy, food and fertilisers,” he said, adding that “the world is facing multiple-interlinked crises”.

He called upon the G20 nations to come together and address the crisis as one family. “We must break all silos and destroy all fragmentations,” he said, adding, “The international community must speak in unison for those in need.”

As many as 200 delegates are attending the meeting, being held in Varanasi from June 11 to 13.