On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that India has undergone a revolutionary change as a result of digitalization. He also emphasized the growing data divide and stressed the importance of high-quality data for the formulation of sound policies, the effective distribution of resources, and the provision of public services. Delivering a special video address at the G20 Development Ministers’ meeting, under the G20 Indian Presidency in Varanasi, the prime minister said that democratization of technology is a crucial tool to help bridge the data divide. “Democratization of technology is an important tool to help bridge the data divide. In India, digitalization has brought about a revolutionary change,” PM Modi said in his video address to the visiting delegates.
“India is willing to share its experience with partner countries, PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister welcomed delegates to Varanasi which he said is the oldest living city of the mother of democracy.
Highlighting the significance of Kashi, the Prime Minister said that it has been the center of knowledge, discussion, debate, culture, and spirituality for centuries while it also has the essence of India’s diverse heritage serving as a convergence point for people from all parts of the country.
“I am delighted that the G20 development agenda has reached Kashi as well. Development is a core issue for the global south…I strongly believe that it is our collective responsibility not to let the sustainable development goals fall behind. We must ensure that no one is left behind,” the Prime Minister said.
“Development is a core issue for the Global South”, the Prime Minister said as he pointed out that the countries of the Global South were severely impacted by the disruptions created due to the global Covid pandemic while geo-political tensions were responsible for food, fuel, and fertilizer crises.
“In such circumstances, the decisions you make are significant for humanity as a whole,” the PM said.
The Prime Minister emphasized that it is the collective responsibility of the people to not let the Sustainable Development Goals fall behind. He further added that the Global South must send a strong message to the world about the action plan required to achieve this.
The Prime Minister underlined that the efforts must be comprehensive, inclusive, fair, and sustainable, and attempts should be made to increase investment in fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and also finding solutions to address the debt risks faced by many countries.
The Prime Minister said that multilateral financial institutions should be reformed to expand the eligibility criteria to ensure that finance is accessible to those in need.
“In India, we have made efforts to improve people’s lives in more than a hundred Aspirational Districts which were pockets of under-development that have now emerged as the catalysts of growth in the country,” the PM said in his address.
The Prime Minister urged the G20 Development Ministers to study this model of development.
“It may be relevant as you work towards accelerating Agenda 2030”, he added.
Highlighting the issue of the growing data divide, the Prime Minister said that high-quality data is critical for meaningful policy-making, efficient resource allocation, and effective public service delivery. He said that the democratization of technology is a crucial tool to help bridge the data divide.
The Prime Minister elaborated that in India, digitalization has brought about a revolutionary change where technology is being used as a tool to empower people, make data accessible, and ensure inclusivity.
The Prime Minister underlined that India is willing to share its experience with partner countries and expressed hope that discussions will result in tangible actions to promote data for discourse, development and delivery in developing countries.
“In India, we hold great respect for rivers, trees, mountains, and all elements of nature”, the Prime Minister said, as spoke on the traditional Indian thought which promotes a pro-planet lifestyle.
Last year, along with the UN Secretary-General, the Prime Minister recalled launching Mission LiFE and expressed happiness that this group is working to develop a set of High-Level Principles. PM Modi emphasised that women are driving development agendas and acting as drivers of growth and transformation. Everyone, he said, should adopt a radical Action Plan for Women-led Development.
According to the Prime Minister, India’s enduring traditions invigorate Kashi’s spirit. In addition, PM Modi asked the dignitaries to visit Kashi and take in its essence rather than spending all of their time in conference rooms.
The Prime Minister stated, “I am sure that witnessing the Ganga Aarti and visiting Sarnath would motivate you to realise your desired objectives.
In order to advance Agenda 2030 and meet the ambitions of the Global South, PM Modi sent his warmest wishes for success.
