PM Modi addressed the first session of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he called for a rethinking of global development parameters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, proposing a range of initiatives aimed at reshaping global development in line with India’s civilisational values.

Addressing the session on ‘Inclusive and sustainable economic growth leaving no one behind’, PM Modi called for a profound rethinking of global development parameters, noting that while the G20 has long shaped global finance and growth, prevailing models have deprived large populations of resources and driven the over-exploitation of nature, challenges felt acutely in Africa.

“With Africa hosting the G20 Summit for the first time, NOW is the right moment for us to revisit our development parameters and focus on growth that is inclusive and sustainable. India’s civilisational values, especially the principle of Integral Humanism offers a way forward," he said.

Spoke at the first session of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, which focussed on inclusive and sustainable growth. With Africa hosting the G20 Summit for the first time, NOW is the right moment for us to revisit our development parameters and focus on growth that is… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 22, 2025

The Prime Minister called attention to the rapid spread of lethal synthetic drugs such as fentanyl and warned of their impact on public health, social stability and global security. He proposed a dedicated G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug Terror-Nexus aimed at unifying financial, governance and security tools.

The initiative will help disrupt trafficking networks, choke illicit financial flows, and weaken a major funding source for terrorism. “Let us weaken the wretched drug-terror economy!" Modi said on X.

Global Traditional Knowledge Repository

The Prime Minister acknowledged that many countries across the world preserve eco-balanced, culturally rich, and socially cohesive ways of living, and proposed the creation of a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository under the G20.

“India has a rich history in this regard. This will help us pass on our collective wisdom to further good health and well-being," he said after his remarks. This repository will collect and share traditional wisdom that offers proven, time-tested models for sustainable living.

Global Healthcare Response Team

The Prime Minister also suggested the creation of a G20 Global Healthcare Response Team that can work together in emergencies and natural disasters. He said the objective of this effort should be to create teams of trained medical experts in G20 nations who are ready for rapid deployment in emergencies.

G20-Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative

PM Modi also proposed the creation of the G20-Africa Skills Multiplier based on the interest of Africa’s development. He said the initiative will adopt a train-the-trainers model across sectors, supported and financed by all G20 partners, and create one million certified trainers in Africa over the next decade. These trainers will help skill millions of young people.

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South Africa

First Published:

November 22, 2025, 16:03 IST

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