AMN/ WEB DESK
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, June 12, said that the Democratisation of technology is an important tool to bridge the data divide in the world. He said, digitalisation has brought about a revolutionary change in India and pointed out that high-quality data is critical for meaningful policy-making, efficient resource allocation, and effective public service delivery. The Prime Minister said technology is being used as a tool to empower people, make data accessible, and ensure inclusivity.
He said, development is a core issue for the Global South countries and they must send a strong message to the world about the action plan required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The PM was addressing the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting going on in Varanasi today via video message. He said that since Global South countries were severely impacted by the disruptions created due to the Covid pandemic while geo-political tensions were responsible for food, fuel, and fertilizer crises, and in such conditions, the decisions these countries make are significant for humanity as a whole.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is chairing the meeting of the Development Ministers group going on in Varanasi which started yesterday and will continue till tomorrow.
Addressing the gathering of more than 200 delegates, the Prime Minister threw light on the traditional Indian thought which promotes a pro-planet lifestyle, and said that in India, we hold great respect for rivers, trees, mountains, and all elements of nature.
Giving a model of development to the G20 Countries, Prime Minister said that India has made efforts to improve people’s lives in more than a hundred Aspirational Districts which were pockets of under-development. He underscored that these Aspirational Districts have now emerged as the catalysts of growth in the country as he urged the G20 Development Ministers to study this model of development. Since It may be relevant for their work towards accelerating Agenda 2030.
Underlining the importance of gender equality and women empowerment in achieving the SDGs, the Prime Minister mentioned that India is not limited to women’s empowerment but extends to women-led development. Mr. Modi underlined that women are setting the agenda for development and are also the agents of growth and change. He urged everyone to adopt a game-changing Action Plan for Women-led Development.
Highlighting the issue of the growing data divide, the Prime Minister elaborated that in India, digitalization has brought about a revolutionary change where technology is being used as a tool to empower people, make data accessible, and ensure inclusivity. Highlighting the significance of Kashi, the Prime Minister said that it has been the center of knowledge, discussion, debate, culture, and spirituality for centuries while it also has the essence of India’s diverse heritage serving as a convergence point for people from all parts of the country. Mr. Modi expressed delight that the G20 Development agenda has reached Kashi as well.