United Nations: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today pitched for reform of the UN Security Council, saying it was essential for the world body to inspire confidence and be relevant in the current world realities.
"70 years back, when the horrific second World War came to an end, this organisation came into being, raising hopes of people around the world. We have gathered here to decide a new direction," he said addressing the UN General Assembly session.
Talking about the global challenges and problems, Modi said, "We need UN reforms so that it inspires confidence and becomes relevant to the current world realities."
His pitch for UNSC reforms comes amidst India's strong bid for a permanent seat in the expanded powerful world body.
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Modi asserted that the global challenges like climate change and sustainable development are the collective responsibility of all nations as no nation can be immune to any kind of threat.
Modi talked about the need for eradicating poverty and ensuring development as he highlighted that 1.3 billion people around the world are forced to live in poverty.
On the issue of climate change, he maintained that common but differentiated responsibility is the basis for dealing with this challenge.
In this context, he asked the developed nations to fulfill their responsibility of sharing technology, innovation and finances with the developing countries without having any "selfish interest".
The Prime Minister said while working for the Sustainable Development Goals, there should be “climate justice” to ensure that poor are protected from natural tragedies.
“While addressing climate change, it is important to focus on solutions that help us reach our goals,” he told the assembly of leaders from across the world. Noting that India sees the world as one, Modi said the globe is connected and dependant on each other.
“Our international partnerships need to be centred on progress of humanity,” he said.
Referring to the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 adopted by the UNGA today, the Prime Minister said much of India's development agenda is mirrored in it.
“The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities is the bedrock of our enterprise for a sustainable world... We are here today at the UN, because we believe that international partnership must be at the centre of our efforts,” he said.
He listed the programmes and schemes rolled out by his government for financial inclusion, poverty alleviation, healthcare, education and women empowerment and said “Our national plans to ensure sustainable development are purposeful and ambitious”.
He said eradication of poverty must remain the biggest responsibility as without it the world peace, just systems and sustainable development cannot be possible.
