PM Modi Calls for Human-Centric Growth, Disaster Resilience and New Development Paradigms at G20 Johannesburg Summit

Johannesburg, Nov 2025 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged world leaders to embrace a new approach to global development—one that places humanity, sustainability, and resilience at its core—as he addressed both sessions on the opening day of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg. The Prime Minister used his interventions and multiple posts on X to underline India’s vision for a cooperative global order, strengthened by inclusive growth and fortified against climate and disaster-related vulnerabilities.

According to a detailed briefing from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Modi emphasised that traditional development parameters were no longer adequate in an era marked by climate change, technological shifts, conflict-driven disruptions, and persistent inequality. He said India’s human-centric philosophy of growth, rooted in the principle of “Integral Humanism,” can guide the world toward a more balanced model of development—one that aligns individual welfare with societal progress and ecological stability.

Focus on Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Transitions

In his remarks during the Summit’s second session—centered on disaster risk reduction, climate change, just energy transitions, and food system resilience—the Prime Minister reiterated that global challenges require unified global responses. He noted that this conviction guided India’s decision to establish the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group during its G20 presidency, ensuring that disaster management moves from a reactive, response-driven approach to a proactive and development-oriented one.

As part of this vision, PM Modi proposed the creation of a G20 Open Satellite Data Partnership, which would provide developing nations—especially in the Global South—greater access to satellite data and analytical tools. Such access, he said, can revolutionise agriculture, fisheries, climate monitoring, and emergency response.

The Prime Minister also underlined that climate change continues to threaten food security worldwide. He highlighted India’s large-scale efforts to protect vulnerable communities through the world’s largest food security initiative, the world’s biggest public health insurance scheme, and an expansive crop insurance programme. He also pointed to the rising global recognition of Shree Anna (millets) as a climate-resilient and nutrition-rich alternative promoted under India’s G20 leadership.

A Call for New Metrics for Global Growth

At the opening session themed “Inclusive and sustainable economic growth leaving no one behind,” PM Modi praised South Africa for its leadership on issues such as skilled migration, tourism, AI, food security, digital innovation, and women’s empowerment. He said he was pleased to see that many of the landmark outcomes from India’s G20 presidency had been carried forward and strengthened.

With the G20 Summit convening on African soil for the first time, the Prime Minister said this historic moment called for a reassessment of global development models. He argued that the world must look beyond GDP-centric approaches and incorporate ecological balance, social equity, and cultural wisdom into development frameworks.

Six New Global Initiatives Proposed by India

During his address, PM Modi presented six proposals that he said could equip the G20 to meet emerging global challenges:

1. G20 Global Traditional Knowledge Repository – to protect, document, and utilise ancient and indigenous knowledge systems for global benefit.
2. G20 Africa Skills Multiplier – to train one million certified trainers who will help build long-term capacity and skill ecosystems across Africa.
3. G20 Global Healthcare Response Team – a unified medical team from G20 members that can be deployed during international health crises.
4. G20 Open Satellite Data Partnership – ensuring space-based data is openly accessible for developmental use.
5. G20 Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative – promoting recycling, urban mining, second-life battery use, and innovations to secure mineral supply chains essential for clean energy transitions.
6. G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug Terror Nexus – aimed at dismantling networks that fuel both narcotics trafficking and terrorism.

The Prime Minister said India’s proposals were aligned with its commitment to sustainable development, disaster preparedness, and equitable global growth.

Strengthening the Voice of the Global South

PM Modi reiterated that developing nations must have a stronger voice in global governance. He recalled that the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent G20 member during the New Delhi Summit earlier this year was a historic milestone, and said such inclusivity must continue to shape global institutions.

He urged wealthy nations to honour commitments on affordable climate finance and the transfer of clean technologies, noting that without such support, many developing countries cannot transition to greener pathways.

Focus on Food Security and a Cooperative Global Future

PM Modi pressed for greater collaboration on food security and suggested that the Deccan Principles on Food Security, adopted during India’s presidency, should form the basis of a long-term G20 action roadmap. He stressed that resilience, sustainability, and fairness must define future food systems.

As the Summit concluded its first day, PM Modi thanked South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for his warm hospitality and commended the successful organisation of the event. This marks the Prime Minister’s 12th participation in a G20 Leaders’ Summit, reflecting India’s growing leadership role in shaping global priorities.