As the curtains closed on the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a compelling message, advocating for the expansion of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and reforms across global institutions. He emphasized the necessity for these institutions to adapt to the world’s evolving realities, citing the fundamental principle that those who fail to evolve with time become irrelevant.
During the concluding session of the summit, PM Modi proposed a virtual meeting of the G20 bloc at the end of November to review the suggestions and decisions made during the leaders’ summit. In a symbolic gesture, he passed the gavel to Brazil, extending his best wishes as Brazil assumes the presidency of the elite grouping on December 1.
This call for reform and expansion found resonance in the remarks of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who echoed PM Modi’s sentiments. President Lula emphasized the need for new developing countries to be included as permanent and non-permanent members of the UN Security Council to restore its political influence. He also expressed a desire for increased representation of emerging countries in institutions like the World Bank and the IMF.
Addressing the ‘One Future’ session during the G20 Summit, PM Modi stressed the importance of global institution reforms, including the United Nations. He highlighted the incongruity between the UN’s establishment in a vastly different world and its present composition. While the UN was founded with 51 member countries, today it encompasses around 200 nations. Despite this transformation, the number of permanent members in the UNSC has remained unchanged. PM Modi argued that this disparity should be rectified to ensure that global institutions align with contemporary realities.
PM Modi acknowledged the emergence and effectiveness of various regional groupings in recent years and called for a thorough review of this evolving landscape. He cited the historic decision to include the African Union as a member of the G20 as an example of necessary changes. Furthermore, he emphasized the urgency of expanding the mandates of multilateral development banks and implementing immediate and effective decisions in this direction.
In conclusion, PM Modi’s strong pitch for UNSC expansion and global institution reforms at the G20 Summit underscores the need for these institutions to evolve and adapt to the current global landscape. His call resonates with the broader theme of ensuring that international organizations reflect the contemporary realities of an ever-changing world.
Source: Various News Reports from the G20 Summit
