PM Modi Urges New Global Development Vision At G20 Summit In Johannesburg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the opening session of the G20 Leaders’ Summit on Saturday, called for a transformative reassessment of global development parameters.

Speaking at the session themed ‘Inclusive and sustainable economic growth leaving no one behind’, he emphasised that with Africa hosting the G20 Summit for the first time, the moment was ripe for redefining the world’s approach to growth.

PM Modi later shared on X that India’s civilisational values, particularly the principle of Integral Humanism, offered a meaningful pathway towards inclusive global progress. He underscored that many communities worldwide continue to uphold eco-friendly, culturally connected, and socially harmonious lifestyles.

The Prime Minister proposed establishing a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository under the G20 framework.

He stated that India’s Indian Knowledge Systems initiative could serve as its foundation. The repository would document time-tested models of sustainable living and ensure this wisdom reaches future generations.

“This will help us pass on our collective knowledge to promote good health and well-being,” PM Modi noted.

Major Africa-Focused Skills Initiative Announced

Highlighting disparities in global development models, PM Modi unveiled the G20–Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative.

He reaffirmed India’s longstanding solidarity with Africa and reminded the audience that India’s G20 Presidency inducted the African Union as a permanent member of the G20.

The initiative aims to train one million certified trainers in Africa over the next decade through a collaborative train-the-trainer model supported by all G20 partners.

These certified trainers will subsequently help skill millions of young Africans across key sectors.

PM Modi also proposed a G20 initiative to counter the drug–terror nexus, warning of the increasingly widespread threat of synthetic drugs such as fentanyl.

He called for unified security, governance, and financial strategies to disrupt trafficking networks and stem the illicit flows funding terrorism.

In addition, he urged the creation of a G20 Global Healthcare Response Team. The team would consist of trained medical professionals from member nations, ready for deployment during health emergencies and natural disasters.

“We are stronger when we work together,” he stressed.

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