Development major issue of Global South: PM Modi at G20 Development Ministers meet at Varanasi

Prime Minister Modi addressed Varanasi as an ancient, vibrant city and the mother of democracy. He said that Kashi has been the centre of knowledge, discussion, dialogue, culture and spirituality for centuries.

Varanasi: Addressing the meeting of the development ministers of G20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that everyone should be backed and assisted in achieving sustainable development goals. PM Modi addressed the ongoing G20 development ministers' meeting in Varanasi through a video message.

During his speech, he raised the issue of the development needs of the countries belonging to the Global South and said that there is a need to ensure that no one is left behind. Apart from this, he also highlighted the topic of the democratization of data and recommended reforms in international financial institutions.

Development a major issue of Global South

It may be noted that External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is chairing the ongoing Group of Development Ministers meeting in Varanasi which began on Sunday. Addressing a gathering of over 200 delegates at the meeting, PM Modi described 'development' as a major issue of the Global South.

He said that these countries have been affected the most due to covid. There is a crisis of food, oil, and fertilizers. The same geopolitical developments have also added to this concern.

No one should be left behind in the Sustainable Development Goals

PM Modi further apprised of the collective responsibility and said that no one should be left behind in the Sustainable Development Goals. The Prime Minister also raised the issue of increasing debt burden and changes in global financial institutions. He noted that efforts must be comprehensive, inclusive, fair, and sustainable and that everyone must invest towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

'Kashi is the heritage of India's diversity'

Prime Minister Modi, an MP from Kashi, addressed Varanasi as an ancient, vibrant city and the mother of democracy. He said that Kashi has been the centre of knowledge, discussion, dialogue, culture and spirituality for centuries. It covers the heritage of India's diversity and people from all over the country come here. He asked the visitors to visit Kashi and take advantage of the Ganga Aarti, not just be confined to the meetings.

G20 countries should study aspirational districts in India

Referring to the scheme related to aspirational districts in India and its benefits, he said that "due to our efforts, these districts have now become catalysts in the development of the country". He asked the G20 countries to study it.

Empowered people using technology

PM Modi also said that people have been empowered by using technology in India. India is also ready to share its experience in this regard with the allied countries. Highlighting the issue of the growing data divide, he hoped that the discussion held in the meeting would lead to effective steps related to Data for Discourse, Data for Development, and Data for Delivery in developing countries.

The Prime Minister drew attention to women's empowerment in India and said that it is not only about women's participation but also about giving them leadership in development. In today's time, women are setting the agenda of development and he, therefore, urged countries to adopt a transformative plan.