NEW DELHI: Backing Brazil’s initiative for a ‘Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty’ at the G20 summit in Rio, PM Modi underscored India’s concerns for the developing world as he said that countries of the Global South are most adversely impacted by the food, fuel and fertiliser crisis caused by conflicts.
Speaking at the session titled ‘Social Inclusion and the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty’, the PM also drew attention to the need for reforms of global institutions saying the G20 will work towards achieving that objective.
Global South key to G20 success: Modi
And just as we amplified the voice of the Global South by granting permanent membership of G20 to the African Union during the New Delhi Summit, we will reform institutions of global governance,” said Modi, while stressing that G20 discussions can only be successful if challenges and priorities of the Global South are kept in mind.
The G20 sessions on the first day of the summit were focused on fighting hunger and poverty and also on reforms of global institutions of governance. Modi said that the people-centric decisions taken at G20 Summit in New Delhi had been taken forward during Brazil’s presidency and it was a matter of great satisfaction that G20 had prioritised SDG goals.
“We focused on inclusive development, women-led development, and youth power. And gave wings to the hopes and aspirations of Global South. It is clear that ‘One Earth One Family One Future’ is as relevant at this summit as it was last year,” added the PM.
Listing India’s achievements in tackling poverty, Modi said in the past 10 years, India had lifted 250 million people out of poverty and over 800 million people are being given foodgrains free of cost. He said India is also contributing to global food security and has provided humanitarian assistance to Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
“Over 550 million are benefiting from world’s biggest health insurance scheme. 60 million senior citizens, over 70, will also be able to benefit from free health insurance,” he said. “Maintaining our focus on women-led development and social inclusion, over 300 million women micro entrepreneurs have been linked to banks and given access to credit,” Modi added.