Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday pitched a slew of new G20 initiatives, including a global initiative to dismantle the drug–terror nexus. Beyond that, he also proposed establishing a new healthcare response team to tackle health emergencies and natural disasters, and pushed for an Africa Skills Multiplier Drive at the 20th G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Speaking at the first session of the summit, which focused on inclusive and sustainable growth for all participants, PM Modi said:
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"To overcome the challenge of drug trafficking, especially the spread of extremely dangerous substances like fentanyl, India proposes a G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug–Terror Nexus. Let us weaken the wretched drug–terror economy."
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The new initiative seeks to integrate finance, governance, and security instruments to weaken the drug–terror economy.
PM Modi on a Healthcare Response Team
Talking about the G20 global healthcare response team, he said that nations will collaborate to create teams of trained medical experts from G20 countries, ready for rapid deployment in times of need and emergencies.
Eloquently showcasing his intent, PM Modi said:
"We are stronger when we work together in the face of health emergencies and natural disasters."
Talking About Africa
PM Modi expressed solidarity with Africa, he highlighted that he was proud that it was during India's G20 presidency that the African Union became a permanent G20 member. beyond this India also seeks to forward the same spirit of development by initiating G20- Africa Skills Multiplier.
"India has always stood in solidarity with Africa. I am proud of the fact that it was during India’s G20 Presidency that the African Union became a permanent G20 member. Taking forward this spirit, India proposes a G20–Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative. Our collective goal should be to create 1 million certified trainers in Africa within the next decade."
G20 Global Traditional Knowledge Repository
The Prime Minister also spoke about the creation of a G20 Global Traditional Knowledge Repository—a repository open to all G20 members to gain knowledge from a present database of past experiences and maxims. Adding to the idea, PM Modi said: "India has a rich history in this regard. This will help us pass on our collective wisdom to further good health and wellbeing."
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