PM Modi's Speech at the UN Summit

PM Modi’s Speech: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently delivered a significant speech at the ‘Summit of the Future,’ held during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The summit focused on the theme of ‘Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow.’ PM Modi’s address emphasized global cooperation, India’s leadership in sustainable development, and the urgent need for reforms in international institutions.

Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Speech:

1. Collective Strength over Conflict:

PM Modi underscored the importance of collective action, stressing that humanity’s progress depends on unity rather than conflict. He emphasized that solutions to global challenges must be human-centric and called for reforms in global institutions to ensure peace and sustainable development.

2. New Arenas of Conflict:

Highlighting the emergence of new conflict zones beyond traditional warfare, PM Modi drew attention to threats in cyberspace, maritime, and outer space. He called for global digital governance to protect national sovereignty and maintain global stability. He also stressed the need for balanced and inclusive global regulations to ensure the safe use of technology, addressing concerns about cybersecurity and technological advancements.

3. India’s Development Success:

PM Modi shared India’s remarkable progress in lifting 250 million people out of poverty and achieving milestones in sustainable development. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting the Global South by sharing its development experiences and emphasized India’s global initiatives such as ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,’ which includes efforts like One Earth, One Health and One Sun, One World, One Grid.

4. Reforming Global Institutions:

PM Modi called for reforming international institutions, including the United Nations Security Council, aligning with India’s aspiration for permanent membership. He referenced the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 during India’s presidency as a key step toward making global governance more inclusive and representative of all nations.

5. Global Digital Infrastructure:

India’s digital public infrastructure was presented as a model for global cooperation. PM Modi offered India’s digital infrastructure to the world, asserting that global ambition must be matched by global action in securing cyberspace, maritime, and outer space, highlighting India’s role in technological innovation and its potential for global good.

Overview of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)

1.Establishment: The UNGA was established in 1945 under the UN Charter and is headquartered in New York City. It is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and serves as its primary policymaking body.

2. Role: The UNGA provides a platform for multilateral discussions on various global issues. Every member state of the United Nations has an equal vote, ensuring broad representation in decision making processes.

3. Key Decisions: Some of the major responsibilities of the UNGA include:

a. Appointing the Secretary-General based on recommendations from the Security Council.

b. Electing non-permanent members to the Security Council.

c. Approving the UN budget, ensuring smooth financial operations of the UN’s activities.

4. Important Achievements: Notable milestones achieved by the UNGA include:

a. The adoption of the Millennium Declaration in 2000.

b. The outcome of the 2005 World Summit.

c. The formulation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in September 2015.

5. Annual General Debate: Each year, the UNGA holds its annual general debate, where member states present their views on pressing global issues. The debate opens with a report from the UN Secretary-General, outlining the organization’s progress and future priorities.

79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (2024)

Details: The 79th UNGA session took place from 10th to 30th September 2024, focusing on accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Global leaders discussed interconnected challenges like climate change, inequality, and global conflicts. The session concluded with the adoption of the Pact for the Future, which includes the Global Digital Compact with a special focus on gender equality.
Theme: The theme for this session was “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations.”
Leadership: The session was chaired by Cameroonian President Philemon Yong.

Summit of the Future (2024)

Details: Held on 22-23 September 2024 at the UN Headquarters in New York, the Summit of the Future addressed the global governance challenges exposed by recent global crises. It focused on reaffirming commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enhancing international cooperation, and laying the foundation for a more inclusive and efficient multilateral system.
Focus Areas: The summit prioritized international cooperation on critical global challenges such as climate change, poverty, inequality, ongoing conflicts, and health crises.
Theme: The theme for the summit was “Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow.”
Expected Outcome: The Summit of the Future is expected to produce key documents such as the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations, aiming to create a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable global governance framework.

Conclusion

PM Modi’s address at the ‘Summit of the Future‘ emphasized India’s pivotal role in global governance and sustainable development. By advocating for collective action, reforming global institutions, and promoting digital infrastructure, India continues to offer innovative solutions for addressing pressing global challenges. The outcomes of the 79th UNGA and the Summit of the Future underline the necessity for robust international cooperation to build a more inclusive and secure global future.