India will remain a proactive partner in achieving global peace and development, says PM Modi
Emphasising that the “success of humanity lies in our collective strength, not in the battlefield," Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that reforms in global institutions are essential for global peace and development.

Addressing the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the United Nations in New York on Monday (September 23, 2024), Prime Minister Modi also called for a human-centric approach to issues of the future and highlighted the need for human welfare, food and health security.

“Success of Humanity lies in our collective strength, not in the battlefield. And for global peace and development, reforms in global institutions are essential. Reform is the key to relevance!” Prime Minister Modi said in his address, adding that permanent membership of the G20 to the African Union at the New Delhi Summit, was an important step in this direction. 

He also flagged cyber, maritime, and space as new theatres of conflict. “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 theaters of conflict. On all these issues, I will stress, that, Global Action must match Global Ambition!” he said.

The summit, themed "Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow," brought together a large number of world leaders aiming to forge a path towards a more harmonious future.

PM Modi Articulates India’s Vision at Summit of the Future 
In his speech, Prime Minister Modi emphasized India’s unique position as the world’s largest democracy and home to one-sixth of humanity. He articulated India’s vision of prioritising sustainable while also ensuring human welfare, food and health security. “By lifting 250 million people out of poverty in India, we have demonstrated that Sustainable Development can be Successful. And we are ready to share this experience of our success with the entire Global South,” he stated. 

Prime Minister Modi called for balanced regulations to ensure that technology is used responsibly, promoting inclusivity and safety. He underscored the importance of digital infrastructure as a bridge, not a barrier, to progress, urging the global community to work together to ensure that technology benefits all of humanity. “For Global Good, India is ready to share its digital public infrastructure with the entire world,” he said.

The guiding principle of PM Modi’s vision, "One Earth, One Family, One Future," resonated throughout his address. He explained how this commitment is reflected in India’s initiatives, such as "One Earth, One Health," which focuses on global health cooperation, and "One Sun, One World, One Grid," aimed at global energy sustainability. These initiatives align with India’s broader goal of ensuring global prosperity while protecting the rights and well-being of all humanity.

India’s commitment to sustainability was further emphasised in Prime Minister Modi’s pledge to continue working in thought, words, and deeds to protect the planet and its people. He assured the global community that India would remain a proactive partner in achieving global peace and development, and in safeguarding the interests of future generations.

Summit Adopts ‘A Pact for the Future’
The ‘Summit of the Future’ concluded with the adoption of a landmark outcome document, A Pact for the Future, which laid the groundwork for addressing some of the most pressing global challenges. This document, along with two annexes—The Global Digital Compact and A Declaration on Future Generations—was crafted to guide global action toward a more secure and equitable world.

The Global Digital Compact aims to ensure that technology is used safely and responsibly, bridging divides rather than deepening them. This includes addressing the gender gap, patterns of discrimination, and inequalities within and between countries. Prime Minister Modi echoed these sentiments in his address, emphasising the need for global digital governance that upholds national sovereignty and promotes the responsible use of technology.

The Declaration on Future Generations focuses on safeguarding the interests of future generations by addressing today’s challenges head-on. It emphasizes the importance of creating a better present while ensuring that future generations inherit a world that is sustainable, inclusive, and peaceful. The declaration also calls for young people to be given a seat at the table, recognizing them as catalysts for change and vital contributors to a sustainable future.

Emphasis on Multilateralism and Collective Action 
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who initiated the Summit of the Future in response to Member States’ calls for innovative solutions to global challenges, set the stage for the summit’s ambitious agenda. In his remarks, Guterres emphasized the importance of multilateralism and collective action in addressing the existential risks facing humanity, including climate change, inequality, and technological disruption.

"We are here to bring multilateralism back from the brink," Guterres said, urging world leaders to take bold actions that match their rhetoric. He stressed that the decisions made at this summit will have long-lasting impacts on future generations, and that failure to act now could result in persistent crises that threaten global stability.

Prime Minister Modi’s address at the ‘Summit of the Future’ was a powerful call for global cooperation, sustainability, and the urgent need for reform in global governance. As the world grapples with challenges ranging from poverty and inequality to the emerging risks of cyberspace and climate change, Modi’s vision of a human-centric, sustainable, and inclusive future resonated strongly with the summit’s theme.

The outcome of the summit, with its focus on multilateral solutions and a shared commitment to protecting future generations, is a testament to the power of global cooperation. As Modi concluded in his address.