At the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about India's achievements in combating hunger and poverty while promoting inclusive development. The summit, held at the Modern Art Museum, brought together global leaders including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and US President Joe Biden for two days of discussions. Here are the five main highlights from PM Modi's address:
1. India’s Fight Against Poverty and Hunger
PM Modi highlighted India's significant progress in reducing poverty, with 250 million people emerging from poverty. He credited this success to a mix of traditional and modern strategies, mentioning key initiatives like organic farming, climate-resilient agriculture, and the distribution of free food to 800 million citizens.
2. "Back to Basics" and "March to the Future" Approach
Modi emphasized the importance of blending traditional knowledge with future-focused solutions. He pointed to the use of millets (Shree Anna), organic farming, and resilient crop varieties as critical strategies for ensuring food security and addressing climate challenges. "These are vital for food security and a sustainable future," he said.
3. Praise for Brazil’s G20 Leadership
Modi expressed his appreciation for Brazil's leadership of the G20, noting its efforts to drive people-centric policies and build on the progress started under India's G20 presidency. He emphasized the importance of continuing to work towards shared global goals, particularly in the areas of social inclusion and sustainable development.
4. Support for the Global South
PM Modi called on the G20 to prioritize the needs of the Global South, which has been most affected by global challenges related to food, energy, and fertilizer supplies. He reiterated the motto of his presidency, "One Earth, One Family, One Future," stressing the need for inclusive global dialogue.
5. Launch of a Global Coalition on Hunger and Poverty
A major outcome of the summit was the launch of a global coalition to tackle hunger and poverty, endorsed by over 80 countries. Modi described this initiative as a vital move toward improving the lives of disadvantaged populations worldwide. He assured India's full support for the coalition, underscoring the nation's commitment to food security and inclusive development.
In closing, PM Modi emphasized India's commitment to sustainable development, with a special focus on empowering women and youth. He noted that over 300 million Indian women entrepreneurs are now connected to banks, significantly enhancing financial inclusion and access to credit.
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