PM Proposes 6 New Initiatives At G20, Says Indian Values Can Drive Progress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed six new initiatives aimed at global development at the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg. These include the setting up of a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository, Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative, Global Healthcare Response Team, Initiative on Countering the Drug-Terror Nexus, Open Satellite Data Partnership, and a Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative

These initiatives will help achieve all-round growth, he said at the first session on inclusive and sustainable growth, remarking that India's civilisational values offer a way forward.

The G20 Global Traditional Knowledge Repository, he said, will document traditional wisdom that demonstrates time-tested models of sustainable living and ensure that it is carried forward to future generations.

"India has a rich history in this regard. This will help us pass on our collective wisdom to further good health and wellbeing," the PM remarked at the summit.

PM Modi, who is on a three-day visit to South Africa, said that Africa's development is vital for global progress and India has always stood in solidarity with the continent. The Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative will adopt a train-the-trainers model with an aim of creating a million certified trainers in Africa by next decade, he added.

"Our collective goal is to train one million certified trainers in Africa over the next decade. These trainers will, in turn, train millions of skilled youth. This initiative will have a multiplier effect. It will build local capacity and strengthen Africa's long-term development," the PM told the G20 leaders.

PM Modi also proposed setting up a G20 Global Healthcare Response Team that will help in delivering a strong response during health emergencies.

"We are stronger when we work together in the face of health emergencies and natural disasters. Our effort should be to create teams of trained medical experts from fellow G20 nations who are ready for rapid deployment in case of any global health crisis or natural disaster," he said.

He also suggested a G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug-Terror Nexus to overcome the challenge of drug trafficking and stop the spread of dangerous substances like fentanyl. "Under this initiative, we can bring together various instruments related to finance, governance, and security. Only then can the drug-terror economy be weakened," said PM Modi.

Pitching and Open Satellite Data Partnership, the PM said satellite data of G20 Space agencies could be made available to developing countries for activities like agriculture and fisheries, as well as disaster management.

Prime Minister Modi also proposed a Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative to foster recycling, urban mining, second-life battery projects and other innovations. The aim of the initiative is to help strengthen supply chain security, and develop cleaner pathways of development.