Prime Minister Narendra Modi today raised concerns over the impact of global uncertainties on developing nations, particularly in the areas of food and energy security. Speaking at the third Voice of Global South Summit, held virtually, Modi assured participating countries of India’s steadfast commitment to providing full support across various key sectors, including digital public infrastructure.
In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister noted the continued global instability, emphasising that the world has yet to fully recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. He further pointed out that ongoing conflicts have exacerbated challenges for development efforts.
“Today we are meeting at a time when there is an atmosphere of uncertainty all around. The world has not yet completely come out of the impact of Covid. On the other hand, the situation of war has created challenges for our development journey,” Modi stated.
He also underscored the additional pressures of climate change, alongside rising concerns over health, food, and energy security. “We are not only facing the challenges of climate change, but now there are also concerns about health security, food security, and energy security,” he said.
Modi further highlighted the persistent threats posed by terrorism, extremism, and separatism. “Terrorism, extremism and separatism remain serious threats to our societies,” he noted, adding that a technological divide and new socio-economic challenges linked to technology are emerging as well.
Reflecting on the limitations of global governance and financial institutions established in the last century, Modi remarked, “The global governance and financial institutions created in the last century have been unable to meet the challenges of this century.”
The Prime Minister lauded the Voice of Global South Summit as a crucial platform for discussing development issues, stating that during India’s G20 presidency, the agenda was shaped by the expectations, aspirations, and priorities of the Global South. He affirmed India’s development-oriented approach within the G20 framework.
Highlighting the collective strength of the Global South, Modi stressed the importance of unity in moving towards a new direction. “On the strength of this unity we will move towards a new direction,” he said, adding that the summit serves as a platform to amplify the needs and aspirations of those who have long been unheard.
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