Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for greater representation of the Global South in global decision-making and urged BRICS countries to work towards a more inclusive and equitable system of global governance.
PM Modi made the remarks while chairing the BRICS session on “Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism” on September 12 during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Emphasising the gap between the Global South’s exposure to global challenges and its role in decision-making, the Prime Minister said the region is “at the front row of global crises, but the back row of decision-making”.
He called for transforming the existing “pyramid of privilege” into a “platform of partnership”.
PM Modi stressed that global governance must reflect present-day realities and called for greater representation of developing countries, particularly in key institutions such as the United Nations Security Council.
He also called for efforts to ensure that the Global South moves from being a “rule-taker” to a “rule-shaper”.
The Prime Minister said BRICS could play an important role in this effort by providing young diplomats and policymakers from the Global South with negotiation skills, practical training and legal expertise.
Highlighting the contribution of seafarers to global trade, PM Modi said they often lack adequate support during times of crisis. He proposed the establishment of a Seafarers Emergency Support Network to strengthen assistance for them.
Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister said that since the future of nations is shared, the right to shape that future must also be shared.
He called for a shift “from voice to impact, from privilege to partnership”.
The session concluded with the adoption of the New Delhi BRICS Leaders’ Declaration, which sets out shared priorities and the direction for BRICS cooperation in the coming period.
The 18th BRICS Summit is being hosted by India in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 under India’s chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
