G20 countries should increase investment in sustainable development goals, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the opening of the G20 development ministerial meeting.
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The Sustainable Development Goals is a plan of 17 interrelated goals developed by the UN General Assembly in 2015 as a “plan to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.”
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“I strongly believe that it is our collective responsibility to ensure that we do not fall behind on our sustainable development goals. We must ensure that no one is left behind. It is essential for this group to send a strong message to the world that we have an action plan to reach that goal. Our efforts must be inclusive, equitable and sustainable. We must increase investment in achieving the sustainable development goals and find solutions to address the debt risks faced by many countries. Multilateral financial institutions must be reformed, to broaden the eligibility criteria by making funding available to those in need,” Modi said.
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He urged G20 ministers to learn from the experience of India, which has turned more than 100 underdeveloped areas of the country into catalysts for growth, and stressed the need for digitalization and democratization of technology.
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“Digitalization has revolutionized India in India. Technology is being used as a tool for empowering people, making data accessible and inclusive. India is ready to share its experience with partner countries,” the prime minister added.
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He also urged ministers to develop “life principles” on climate change and to adopt an action plan for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
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India took over the G20 presidency on December 1 last year. New Delhi will hold more than 200 group meetings during its presidency, but the FM meeting is one of the most important events ahead of the final G20 leaders’ summit in the Indian capital on September 9-10, after which the chairmanship will be handed over to Brazil.
