Humanity's success lies in collective strength, not on battlefield: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the power of collective global action, stating, “Humanity’s success lies in our collective strength, not on the battlefield,” as he addressed world leaders at the United Nations’ Summit of the Future on Monday.

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His remarks came amidst ongoing global conflicts, most notably the Israel-Hamas confrontation and the war in Ukraine, as well as challenges like climate change and geopolitical tensions.

Speaking from the podium in the UN General Assembly Hall, Modi began with a “Namaskar,” representing the voice of 1.4 billion Indians. He highlighted the need for a human-centric approach in tackling the world’s most pressing challenges, particularly when shaping the global future.

“When we are discussing the Global Future, we must accord the highest priority to a human-centric approach,” Modi said. His speech followed the adoption of the Pact for the Future, a document that lays the foundation for sustainable development, international peace, technological governance, youth engagement, and global governance reforms.

The summit coincided with the UN’s drive to tackle a wide range of global issues. As the UN approaches its 80th anniversary, calls for institutional reform have intensified, and Modi reiterated that meaningful reform is essential for global institutions to stay relevant. “For global peace and development, reforms in global institutions are essential,” he stated.

Modi spotlighted the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20, a move championed by India during the G20 Summit in New Delhi. He emphasised that this step was a significant part of broader efforts to make global governance more representative of today’s geopolitical landscape.