Mon Nov 18 18:59:47 UTC 2024: ## Global South Crisis Takes Center Stage at G20 Summit
**Rio de Janeiro, Brazil** – Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India urged G20 leaders to prioritize the needs of the Global South, which he highlighted as disproportionately impacted by the global food, fuel, and fertilizer crisis stemming from ongoing conflicts. Addressing the summit’s opening session on “Social Inclusion and the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty,” Modi emphasized that addressing these challenges is crucial for the success of the G20’s deliberations.
The two-day summit, held at Rio de Janeiro’s Modern Art Museum, brings together world leaders including US President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Modi underscored the continued relevance of India’s G20 theme, “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” first introduced during India’s presidency, highlighting its alignment with Brazil’s ongoing efforts to build on the people-centric decisions made in New Delhi.
A key development at the summit was the launch of a global alliance to combat poverty and hunger, backed by over 80 nations. Modi also advocated for reform of global governance institutions, echoing India’s previous efforts to grant permanent G20 membership to the African Union.
Modi showcased India’s initiatives in poverty alleviation and food security, citing the provision of free food grains to over 800 million people, and the expansion of healthcare access through the world’s largest health insurance scheme, now covering 60 million senior citizens. He also highlighted the empowerment of over 300 million women micro-entrepreneurs through access to credit and the benefits provided to millions of farmers under India’s extensive crop insurance program. India’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, including promotion of millets and climate-resilient crops, was also emphasized.
Modi concluded his address by emphasizing India’s “back to basics and march to the future” approach, combining traditional methods with technological advancements to achieve food security and inclusive development. His visit to Brazil follows a two-day trip to Nigeria.
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