Johannesburg: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged world leaders to fundamentally rethink global development priorities and adopt growth models that are both inclusive and sustainable. Speaking at the opening session of the G20 Leaders’ Meeting, he proposed several new initiatives aimed at strengthening global cooperation, protecting traditional knowledge, and tackling transnational threats.
Modi called for the creation of a G20 Global Traditional Knowledge Repository, describing it as a way to preserve eco-balanced and culturally rooted practices that contribute to wellbeing. He said India’s civilisational philosophy, particularly the idea of Integral Humanism, offers a pathway toward balanced and inclusive development.
Addressing the rising threat of narcotics, the prime minister announced India’s proposal for a G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug-Terror Nexus, highlighting the urgent need to curb the trafficking of dangerous substances such as fentanyl. “Let us weaken the wretched drug-terror economy,” he told global leaders.
Emphasising Africa’s importance to global progress, Modi proposed a G20-Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative, aimed at developing one million certified trainers across African nations over the next ten years. He noted that India has always stood with Africa and recalled that the African Union became a permanent G20 member during India’s presidency.
Modi also recommended establishing a G20 Global Healthcare Response Team to ensure rapid deployment of medical professionals during health emergencies and natural disasters. He said coordinated global action is essential to tackle future crises more effectively.
The prime minister underlined that the world must realign its development goals to ensure that growth benefits everyone. He urged leaders to draw on shared wisdom, strengthen global partnerships, and build resilient systems capable of meeting modern challenges.
