- Thursday, July 04, 2024
Modi said the World Government Summit has emerged as a big medium to bring together thought leaders from across the globe on a common platform.
By: Shubham Ghosh
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (14) said while speaking at the World Government Summit in Dubai, UAE, that challenges from the past century such as food, health, water and energy security are on the rise despite technological advancements.
Emphasizing the necessity for inclusive governance that takes into account everybody’s needs, he underscored his belief in minimal government interference in people’s lives, advocating for ‘minimum government, maximum governance’ as his guiding principle.
“I believe that people should neither feel the absence of a government, but at the same time, nor should there be pressure from the government,” he told the gathering that has seen the participation of 10 presidents and 10 prime ministers from across the world.
As chief minister of Gujarat and then, as prime minister, Modi said, he has spent 23 years in government with the principle of “minimum government, maximum governance.”
The theme for the World Governments Summit is ‘Shaping Future Governments’ with the conversation involving governments, international organisations, thought leaders, and private sector leaders from over 120 countries.
“Today, we are in the 21st century. On the one hand, the world is moving towards modernity but the challenges of the previous century are getting intense. Whether it is food security, health, water security, energy security, education, making the society inclusive, every government is tied to responsibilities towards its citizens,” Modi said in his keynote address in Hindi.
Read: Modi’s super busy Valentine’s Day: From global summit to BAPS temple
Addressing the @WorldGovSummit in Dubai. https://t.co/LbnkRo2sbO
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2024
“Today this is the question before every government: What is the approach with which it should move forward? I feel the world needs such governments which are inclusive, take everyone along,” he added.
Read: Modi hails India-UAE brotherhood at ‘Ahlan Modi’ in Abu Dhabi
He also said that the world today requires a smart government, which makes technology a government medium, which is transparent and not corrupt. Modi praised the president of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as a leader with vision and resolve.
He said people today need governments that can provide — ease of living, ease of justice, ease of mobility, ease of innovation and ease of doing business.
Modi noted that in the last few years in India, “People have trust in the intent and commitment of the Indian government. This was possible only because we prioritised public sentiments.”
The PM also harped on the “great transformation” in recent times that Bharat has seen.
“Be it Bharat’s sanitation drive, digital literacy campaign or girl education campaign, the success of each such big goal has been ensured only through people’s participation.”
Highlighting the achievements of his government, Modi said it focused on women-led development, strengthening the financial, social, and political conditions of Indian women and that social and financial inclusion has been his government’s priority.
“Over 50 crore (500 million) people were connected to the banking system. These were the people who didn’t have any bank accounts!” he said.
The prime minister also drew attention towards “our consistent efforts” because of which India is shining on the global stage in the fields of fintech and digital payments. Technology is proving to be a key disruptor, be it positive or negative, he added.
Elaborating on India’s steadfast commitment to climate change action, he called on people to join ‘Mission LiFE’ (Lifestyle for Environment) to create a sustainable world. Launched by Modi at the Glasgow edition of the annual climate change talks, LiFE encourages adopting a lifestyle that will cut down on carbon emissions.
In his remarks, Modi also said, “The way Dubai is emerging is an epicentre of global economy, commerce and technology, it represents a splendid example before the globe.”
Modi said the World Government Summit has emerged as a big medium to bring together thought leaders from across the globe on a common platform.
Read: Modi hails India-UAE brotherhood at ‘Ahlan Modi’ in Abu Dhabi
Dubai's #BurjKhalifa lit up in honour of the Republic of India led by PM Shri @narendramodi being the Guest of Honour at the World Govt Summit.#WorldGovSummit #WGS24 pic.twitter.com/CpvYmXU2sB
— Captain Brijesh Chowta | ಕ್ಯಾಪ್ಟನ್ ಬ್ರಿಜೇಶ್ ಚೌಟ (@CaptBrijesh) February 14, 2024
“The way Dubai is emerging is an epicentre of global economy, commerce and technology, it represents a splendid example before the globe,” he said.
The Indian PM took part in the summit as a guest of honour. Dubai’s landmark Burj Khalifa was lit up with the words ‘Guest of Honor – Republic of India’ ahead of Modi’s address.
Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum extended a warm welcome to the Indian leader and noted that strong ties between India and the UAE serve as a model for international cooperation.
(With agency inputs)
