New Delhi, September 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi told leaders at the 18th BRICS Summit that global governance needs to catch up with the world as it stands today, chairing a session titled “Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism” in New Delhi.
Modi said the Global South sits in the front row when crises strike but in the back row when decisions are made, and called for turning what he described as a “pyramid of privilege” into a “platform of partnership.”
He argued that institutions such as the United Nations Security Council need greater representation to reflect present-day realities, and that the Global South should move from being a rule-taker to a rule-shaper. Through BRICS, he said, young diplomats and policymakers from the Global South could be given negotiation skills, practical training and legal expertise.
Support proposed for seafarers
Modi also raised the position of seafarers, who he said make a significant contribution to global trade but often lack adequate support during crises. He proposed setting up a Seafarers Emergency Support Network to address this gap.
Closing the session, the Prime Minister said the future is shared, and so is the right to shape it – from voice to impact, from privilege to partnership.
The session ended with the adoption of the New Delhi BRICS Leaders’ Declaration, which sets out shared priorities and the direction for BRICS cooperation going forward.