On global stage, Modi canvasses better deal for developing nations

Prime Minister of India and President, G20 Partners, Shri Narendra Modi, has called for global reforms that focus on giving voice to concerns of the Third World and reflect realities of the 21st century.

Modi made the appeal at the close of Voice of Global South Summit held January 13 in India, under a theme, ‘Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose.

In a statement, yesterday, in Abuja, the Indian premier noted that developing countries desire a globalisation that does not create a climate or debt crisis but that, which does not lead to unequal distribution of vaccines or over-concentrated global supply chains.

He said: “We want a globalisation that brings prosperity and well-being to humanity as a whole. In short, we want a ‘human-centric globalisation.’ We, developing countries, are also concerned about the increasing fragmentation of the international landscape.
These geopolitical tensions distract us from focusing on our development priorities. They cause sharp swings in international prices of food, fuel, fertilisers and other commodities.”

Modi said to address this geopolitical fragmentation, there was urgent need for a fundamental reform of the major international organisations, including United Nations Security Council and the Bretton Woods
Institutions, stressing that India’s G20 presidency would attempt to voice views of the Global South on such important issues.

He continued: “In its development partnerships, India’s approach has been consultative, outcome-oriented, demand-driven, people-centric and respectful of the sovereignty of partner countries. I firmly believe that countries of the Global South have a lot to learn from one another’s development experiences.

“I am happy to announce that India will establish a ‘Global-South Centre of Excellence.’ This institution will undertake research on development solutions or best practices of any of our countries, which can be scaled and implemented in other members of the Global South.

“As an example, the digital public goods developed by India in fields like electronic-payments, health, education or e-governance can be useful for many other developing countries.”

“India has also made great strides in areas like space technology and nuclear energy. We will launch a ‘Global-South Science and Technology initiative’ to share our expertise with other developing nations.”

The Asian leader said the theme of the event was inspired by the India’s ancient wisdom that people should come together and speak together.