As curtains come down on G20, PM Modi makes strong pitch for UNSC expansion

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday made a strong pitch for expansion of the UN Security Council and reforms in all global institutions, asserting that they should reflect the world's "new realities" as it is nature's law that those who don't change with times, lose relevance.

As curtains came down on the G20 Summit, Modi also proposed a virtual session of the bloc around the end of November to take stock of the suggestions and decisions made at the leaders' summit.

At the concluding session, Modi handed over the gavel and offered best wishes to Brazil for the next presidency. Brazil will officially take over the mantle of the presidency of the elite grouping on December 1 this year.

Echoing Modi's pitch at an earlier session for reforms in global institutions, Brazilian President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva said the UN Security Council needs new developing countries as permanent and non-permanent members to regain political strength.

"We want greater representation for emerging countries at the World Bank and the IMF," he said.

Speaking at the 'One Future' session during the G20 Summit, Modi made a fresh push for reforms in global institutions, including the United Nations.

"In order to take the world towards a better future, it is necessary that the global systems are according to the present realities. Today, the 'United Nations Security Council' is also an example of this. When the UN was established, the world was completely different from what it is today. At that time there were 51 founding members in the UN. Today the number of countries included in the UN is around 200," Modi said.

"Despite this, the number of permanent members in the UNSC remains the same. The world has since changed a lot in every aspect. Be it transport, communication, health and education, every sector has been transformed. These new realities should reflect in our new global structure," he said.

The UNSC has five permanent members - the US, China, France, Britain and Russia.

He noted that many regional groupings have emerged and proved effective in the last many years and said that it calls for reflection.

Pitching for reforms, he said that is why a historic initiative was made on Saturday by making the African Union a member of the G20.

"Similarly, we also need to expand the mandate of multilateral development banks. Our decisions in this direction should be immediate and effective," the prime minister said.

Later, at the concluding session, Prime Minister Modi extended full support to Brazil and expressed confidence that the Brazilian presidency of the G20 will take forward the shared goals of the bloc.

"India passes the gavel to Brazil. We have unwavering faith that they will lead with dedication, vision and will further global unity as well as prosperity," Modi said.

Modi also proposed a virtual G20 session by November-end to take stock of the suggestions and decisions made at the Leaders' Summit.

"In the last two days, you have put forward your views, given suggestions and a number of proposals have been put forward. It is our responsibility that the suggestions that have come forth are closely looked upon as to how they can be speeded up," Modi said.

"It is my proposal that we hold another session of the G20 virtually in November- end. In that session, we can review the issues that have been agreed upon during this summit. Our teams will share the details of it with all of you. I hope all of you will join this (session)," he said.

"With this, I declare the G20 summit as closed," Modi said.

In his remarks at the 'One Future' session, Modi also described cyber security and cryptocurrencies as among the burning issues affecting the present and future of the world.

Cryptocurrency is a new subject for social order, and monetary and financial stability, he said, seeking the development of global standards to regulate it.

Cyberspace has emerged as a new source of funding for terrorism and global cooperation and framework are necessary for securing it, he said. "This is a very important subject for every country's security and prosperity," he added.

"When we take care of the security and sensitivity of every country, then the feeling of 'One Future' will be strengthened," he said.

Noting that the world is witnessing unimaginable scale and speed in new-generation technology, he cited Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an example and said G20 countries need to go beyond the "Principles on AI" adopted by the bloc in 2019.

"I suggest we establish a framework for 'responsible human-centric AI governance'. India will also give its suggestions. It will be our effort that all countries get the benefits of AI in areas like socio-economic development, global workforce, and research and development," he said.

Highlighting his push for a human-centric vision instead of a GDP-centric approach, he said India has expressed its willingness to share data of its lunar mission with everyone in the interest of humanity. "It is also a proof of our commitment towards human-centric growth."

He said the world needs to go beyond the concept of "global village" to make "global family" a reality, calling for a future in which not only the interests of the countries are aligned but also their hearts.

In a fast-changing world, sustainability and stability are as much needed as transformation, he said.

Later, Modi posted on X, "Simply having a GDP-centric approach is outdated. Time has come to adopt a human-centric vision of progress. India has been making several efforts in this regard, particularly in areas relating to data and technology. We must do whatever we can to use AI for socio-economic development."

"As we pursue our development trajectories, we must keep our focus on sustainability and stability. This will ensure empowerment of the marginalised," Modi said.