PM Modi Speaks at UN Summit on Multilateral Solutions

Context;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, focusing on the theme ‘Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow’.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Speech
2. United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
3. Summit of the Future

Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Speech:

• Collective Strength:
  • PM Modi stressed that humanity’s success depends on collective strength rather than conflict on the battlefield.
  • He called for reforms in global institutions to ensure global peace and sustainable development, promoting a human-centric approach to address global challenges.
• New Conflict Arenas:
  • PM Modi highlighted emerging conflict zones, including cyber, maritime, and space, in addition to traditional threats like terrorism.
  • He advocated for global digital governance to protect national sovereignty and integrity.
  • He also emphasized the need for balanced global regulations to ensure the safe and responsible use of technology.
• India’s Development Success:
  • PM Modi reflected on India’s achievement of lifting 250 million people out of poverty and its success in sustainable development.
  • He expressed India’s readiness to share its experience with the Global South.
  • He reaffirmed India’s commitment to the idea of “One Earth, One Family, One Future”, emphasizing initiatives like One Earth, One Health and One Sun, One World, One Grid.
• Reforming Global Institutions:
  • PM Modi stressed the need to reform international institutions like the UN Security Council, aligning with India’s aspiration for permanent membership.
  • He referred to the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 during India’s presidency as an example of efforts to make global governance more inclusive.
• Global Digital Infrastructure:
  • PM Modi promoted India’s digital public infrastructure as a tool for global good, offering it to the world.
  • He emphasized that global action must match global ambition in areas such as cyber, maritime, and space security.

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA):

• Establishment:
  • Founded in 1945 under the UN Charter and headquartered in New York City.
  • It is one of the six principal organs of the UN and serves as the primary policy-making body of the organization.
• Role:
  • Provides a platform for multilateral discussions on a wide range of international issues.
  • Every member state of the UN has an equal vote in the General Assembly.
• Key Decisions:
  • Appointing the Secretary-General based on the Security Council’s recommendation.
  • Electing non-permanent members to the Security Council.
  • Approving the UN budget.
• Important Achievements:
  • Adoption of the Millennium Declaration in 2000.
  • 2005 World Summit Outcome Document.
  • Formulation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in September 2015.
• Annual General Debate:
  • The UNGA holds an annual debate where member states express their views on major global issues.
  • The UN Secretary-General presents a report on the work of the organization at the opening of the debate.

79th UN General Assembly:

• Details:
  • The 79th session was held from 10th to 30th September 2024, focusing on accelerating progress toward the SDGs.
  • Global leaders addressed interconnected global challenges and adopted the Pact for the Future, which includes the Global Digital Compact with a focus on gender equality.
  • The session is chaired by Cameroonian President Philemon Yong.
• Theme:
  • “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations”.

Summit of the Future:

• Details:
  • Held on 22-23 September 2024 at the UN Headquarters in New York, the summit addressed global governance challenges revealed by recent crises.
  • Aimed to reaffirm commitments to the SDGs, strengthen global cooperation, and build a foundation for an improved multilateral system.
• Focus:
  • International cooperation on critical global issues such as climate change, poverty, inequality, ongoing conflicts, and health crises.
• Theme:
  • “Multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow”.
• Expected Outcome:
  • The summit is expected to produce the Pact for the Future, along with key documents like the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Futur