Success of humanity lies in collective strength, not battlefield: PM Modi at UNGA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the UN on September 23

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday while speaking at the UN's Summit of the Future session, said that the success of humanity lies in our collective strength, not in the battlefield. For global peace and development, reforms in global institutions are important.

Addressing world leaders from the iconic podium of the UN General Assembly hall, Modi, beginning his speech with a "Namaskar", said that he brings the voice of 1.4 billion Indians or one-sixth of humanity to the UN.

PM Modi further said, "While on one hand, terrorism continues to be a serious threat to global peace and security, on the other hand, cyber security, maritime and space are emerging as new theatres of conflict. On all these issues, I will stress that global action must match global ambition." PM Modi said that as the international community discusses the future of the world, the highest priority must be accorded to a "human-centric approach." "Success of humanity lies in our collective strength, not in the battlefield," he said, without naming any specific conflict.

PM Modi underscored that while prioritising sustainable development, human welfare, food and health security must also be ensured. "By lifting 250 million people out of poverty in India, we have demonstrated that Sustainable Development can be successful," he said, adding that India was ready to share this experience of its success with the entire Global South.

PM Modi also called for reforms in the global institutions, saying these are essential for global peace and development. "India ready to share its digital public infrastructure with the entire world," PM Modi further added.

Underlining that reform is the key to relevance, Modi emphasised that for global peace and development, reforms in global institutions are essential. He noted that the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 under India’s presidency of the grouping at the New Delhi Summit last year “was an important step in this direction.” India has been at the forefront of years-long efforts to reform the 15-nation Security Council, saying the powerful UN body does not reflect current geopolitics realities and underscoring that it rightly deserves a permanent seat at the horse-shoe table. India last sat at the UN high table as a non-permanent member in 2021-22. Modi also gave a call for global action to match global ambition as the world continues to grapple with the threat of terrorism as well as newer challenges. "While on the one hand, terrorism continues to be a serious threat to global peace and security, on the other hand, areas such as cyber, maritime and space, are emerging as new theatres of conflict,” he said. “On all these issues, I will stress, that, global action must match global ambition!” he said. Highlighting that India has lifted 250 million people out of poverty in India and demonstrated that Sustainable Development can be successful, Modi voiced India’s commitment to share its experiences with the Global South. "When we are discussing the Global Future, we must accord the highest priority to a human-centric approach," he said, adding that while prioritising sustainable development, “we must also ensure human welfare, food and health security. The Indian leader also emphasised the need for balanced regulation at a global level, for the safe and responsible use of technology. "We need global digital governance, which ensures that national sovereignty and integrity are upheld,” he said, adding that "Digital Public Infrastructure should be a Bridge, not a Barrier!” UN officials and world leaders have consistently lauded India’s digitalisation drive which has helped alleviate poverty and bring millions of people into the formal economic system through the use of a handset and a digitalization model. Modi said that India is ready to share its digital public infrastructure with the entire world "for Global Good.” He added that for India, "One Earth, One Family, One Future” is a commitment. “This commitment is also reflected in our initiatives such as “One Earth, One Health”, and “One Sun, One World, One Grid”. He assured the world community that India will continue to work in thought, words and deeds to protect the rights of all humanity and for global prosperity.

*With Agency Inputs