At G-20, PM Modi calls for new template in post-Covid world

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 21

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called upon world leaders to frame a new template for the post-Corona world.

Speaking at the virtual G-20 summit being hosted by Saudi Arabia, the PM suggested a new “Global index for the post-Corona world” that comprises four key elements.

Calling for decisive action by G20, not limited to economic recovery, jobs and trade, but to focus on preserving the Earth, he suggested the creation of a vast talent pool; ensuring that technology reaches all segments of society, transparency in systems of governance; and, invoking Mahatma Gandhi, wanted the global community to deal with the planet in a spirit of trusteeship.

“Based on this, the G20 can lay the foundation of a new world,” he suggested, while steering clear of some contentious topics such as the differences between nations on vaccine pricing and distribution.

The PM sought to look ahead and noting that “Work from anywhere” is a new normal in the post-Covid world, he suggested the creation of a G20 virtual secretariat as a follow-up and documentation repository.

At the end of the G-20 summit on Sunday, Italy will take over the chair of the G-20, while India will be the next country in line.

The summit under the Saudi Presidency is centred on the theme “Realising opportunities of the 21st century for all”. It has two sessions, one on overcoming the pandemic, economic recovery and restoring jobs, and the other on building an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future. There are also side events planned on the two days on pandemic preparedness and on safeguarding the planet.

A downsized version of the summit began with an opening address by the King of Saudi Arabia, Salman, calling on the world’s most powerful leaders to make the forum relevant at a time when the global Covid pandemic shows no signs of abating. “It is our duty to rise to the challenge together during this summit and give a strong message of hope and reassurance,” he said.