Modi urges U.N. to reform global institutions for peace, development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration over conflict, stating, “The success of humanity lies in our collective strength, not in the battlefield.” Speaking on the global stage, he highlighted the need for nations to work together to address common challenges like climate change, poverty, and inequality. According to Modi, true progress comes from cooperation, diplomacy, and mutual understanding, rather than war and division. His message underscores the critical role of solidarity and peace in fostering sustainable development and ensuring a prosperous future for all of humanity.
At the two-day United Nations ‘Summit of the Future’ conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful speech emphasizing the urgent need for reforming global institutions to ensure lasting peace and development. He highlighted that the world is currently grappling with unprecedented challenges—ranging from climate change and pandemics to economic inequality and geopolitical tensions—that cannot be effectively addressed by outdated systems of global governance.
The Need for Institutional Reform
Modi began his address by acknowledging the importance of multilateralism but pointed out that the institutions created in the aftermath of World War II no longer reflect the realities of the 21st century. The world has changed dramatically over the past few decades, with new powers emerging, technological advancements reshaping industries, and global challenges becoming more interconnected. However, global institutions, such as the United Nations (UN), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank, have not kept pace with these changes.
“Institutions that were created for global governance decades ago must now adapt to the new realities,” Modi said. “Global peace and prosperity are contingent upon these institutions’ ability to reflect the needs and aspirations of all nations, not just a few.”
He called for a more inclusive, equitable, and representative system where the voices of developing nations, especially in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, are given prominence. Modi stressed that many of these nations are increasingly contributing to the global economy and innovation but remain underrepresented in decision-making bodies such as the UN Security Council.
Collective Strength Over Conflict
A central theme of Modi’s speech was the idea that humanity’s success lies not in conflict or division but in cooperation and shared strength. He emphasized that the great challenges of our time—whether it’s tackling climate change, ensuring global health security, or addressing economic inequality—require nations to work together rather than compete.
Modi pointed out that global problems cannot be solved through isolated efforts. For example, climate change transcends national borders, and pandemics do not respect political boundaries. Therefore, countries must come together to build stronger global partnerships and foster sustainable development. He advocated for reforming institutions so they can facilitate cooperation, enhance diplomacy, and promote peace rather than fueling divisions.
Sustainable Development and Climate Change
Prime Minister Modi also underscored the critical need to align global governance systems with the goals of sustainable development. He reiterated India’s commitment to addressing climate change, reminding the audience that India is among the few countries on track to meet its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
“India has shown that economic growth and environmental sustainability are not mutually exclusive,” Modi said. He highlighted India’s ambitious renewable energy targets, its leadership in the International Solar Alliance, and its efforts to transition to a green economy as examples for other nations to follow.
He called upon global institutions to prioritize sustainability in their agendas, emphasizing that economic growth should not come at the cost of environmental degradation. The Prime Minister argued that global governance frameworks must be designed to promote green growth, ensure equitable access to resources, and mitigate the effects of climate change, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Global Economic Equity
Another key issue Modi addressed was the growing economic inequality between nations. While some countries enjoy unprecedented levels of wealth, many developing nations continue to struggle with poverty, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to education. Modi pointed out that economic disparities often fuel conflict and political instability, making it imperative for global institutions to prioritize equitable growth.
He criticized the current global financial architecture, saying that it remains biased in favor of wealthier nations. “Economic equity is essential for global peace and development,” Modi argued. “We cannot achieve lasting peace if large sections of the world’s population continue to be excluded from the benefits of development.”
Modi proposed that global financial institutions, such as the IMF and World Bank, should reform their lending practices and provide more assistance to developing countries. He called for new mechanisms that would allow these nations to better access capital for infrastructure, healthcare, and education, without falling into unsustainable debt traps.
India’s Role as a Bridge
Throughout his speech, Modi positioned India as a bridge between developed and developing nations. He pointed out that India, as the world’s largest democracy and a rapidly growing economy, has unique insights into the needs of both emerging and advanced economies.
“India has always believed in the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family,” Modi said. “We are ready to play our part in ensuring that global institutions reflect this philosophy and work for the benefit of all.”
He cited India’s leadership in the G20, its contributions to peacekeeping efforts, and its growing influence in international organizations as evidence of its commitment to global governance reform. Modi expressed India’s willingness to work with other nations, particularly developing countries, to push for reforms that would make international institutions more democratic and effective.
The Call for Action
Modi concluded his speech with a strong call to action, urging world leaders to recognize that the time for reform is now. “If we do not act today, tomorrow may be too late,” he warned.
He emphasized that while the challenges are immense, they also present an opportunity to build a more just, peaceful, and prosperous world. Modi urged the UN and other global institutions to rise to the occasion and implement reforms that will create a more inclusive and sustainable global order.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech at the United Nations ‘Summit of the Future’ underscored the urgent need for reforming global institutions to meet the challenges of the 21st century. By advocating for inclusivity, collective strength, sustainable development, and economic equity, Modi positioned India as a key player in shaping the future of global governance. His message was clear: lasting peace and development can only be achieved through cooperation, diplomacy, and the reform of outdated systems. The world is watching, and the time to act is now.