Your Highnesses,
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Namaskar!
It is a great honour for me to deliver the keynote address at the World Government Summit, especially for the second time. I am deeply grateful to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Ji for extending this invitation and offering such a warm welcome. I also express my gratitude to my esteemed Brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed. I have had the privilege of meeting him on several occasions recently. He is not only a Leader of Vision but also a Leader of Resolve and Commitment.
Friends,
The World Government Summit has emerged as a significant platform for bringing together thought leaders from around the globe. The visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid plays a pivotal role in this. The remarkable transformation of Dubai into a hub for the global economy, commerce, and technology is truly commendable. Whether it's the successful organization of Expo 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic or the recent hosting of COP-28, these events exemplify the 'Dubai Story'. I extend my congratulations on this summit and wish you every success.
Friends,
Today, we find ourselves in the 21st century. While the world is advancing towards modernity, it also grapples with challenges that have persisted since the last century. Issues such as Food Security, Health Security, Water Security, Energy Security, Education, and fostering inclusive societies pose significant responsibilities for every government. Technology emerges as a key disruptor, impacting every facet of life, both positively and negatively. Terrorism continues to pose new challenges to humanity, while climate-related issues loom larger with each passing day. On one hand, governments face pressing domestic concerns, while internationally, the system appears fragmented. In the midst of these questions, challenges, and situations, the importance of the World Government Summit is more pronounced than ever.
Friends,
Today, every government must contemplate its approach for moving forward. I firmly believe that the world requires governments that are inclusive and bring everyone together. We need governments that are smart, innovative, leveraging technology for transformative change. Transparency and integrity must define governance, with a commitment to combating corruption. Today the world needs governments that are green and are serious about combating environmental challenges. Today, the world needs governments that prioritize Ease of Living, Ease of Justice, Ease of Mobility, Ease of Innovation, and Ease of Doing Business.
Friends,
It has been 23 years since I began serving as Head of the Government continuously. I dedicated 13 years to serving the people of Gujarat, leading a major state in Bharat, and now, I am approaching my 10th year of serving the nation in the Central Government. My belief is that there should be minimal government intervention and zero pressure from the government on the people. Rather, it is the government's responsibility to ensure minimal interference in the lives of its citizens.
We often hear from many experts that trust in governments has declined worldwide after the Covid pandemic. However, in Bharat, we have experienced the opposite. Over the years, the trust of the people in the Government of India has strengthened significantly. People have full faith in both the intentions and commitments of our government. How did this happen? It's because we have given precedence to public sentiments in governance. We are attuned to the needs of the countrymen and have focused on fulfilling both their needs and aspirations.
My guiding principle in government over these 23 years has been "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance." I have consistently advocated for creating an environment that fosters both enterprise and energy among citizens. Along with a Top-Down and Bottom-Up approach, we have also adopted a Whole-of-Society approach. We have emphasized a holistic approach and given top priority to people's participation. We aimed for government campaigns to transition into grassroots movements led by the people themselves. Following this principle of public participation, we have witnessed significant transformations in Bharat. Whether it's our Sanitation Drive, campaigns to promote girl education, or digital literacy initiatives, their success has been ensured through people's participation.
Friends,
Social and financial inclusion has been the cornerstone of our government's priorities. We connected banking services to over 50 crore people who previously lacked access to bank accounts. We launched an extensive campaign to raise awareness, resulting in Bharat making substantial progress in Fintech and Digital Payments. We have championed Women-led Development and are committed to the economic, social, and political empowerment of Indian women. By enacting legislation a few months ago, we have also provided reservation for women in the Indian Parliament. Today, we are creating new opportunities for Indian youth and focusing on their skill development. In a remarkably short time, Bharat has become the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, marking a significant leap in our startup landscape.
Friends,
Adhering to the mantra of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas," we prioritize the approach of 'Last Mile Delivery and Saturation'. The saturation approach ensures that no beneficiary is left out of the government's schemes, with the government directly reaching out to them. This governance model eliminates both discrimination and corruption. According to a study, Bharat has lifted 250 million people out of poverty in the last 10 years, and this governance model has played a significant role in achieving this milestone.
Friends,
When governments prioritize transparency, tangible results ensue, and Bharat stands as a prime example of this principle. Presently, over 130 crore Indian citizens possess digital identities, with their bank accounts, identity and mobile phones intricately linked. Leveraging technology, we have established the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, facilitating the direct transfer of over $400 billion into people's bank accounts over the past decade. This initiative has effectively uprooted a significant avenue for corruption, safeguarding over $33 billion from falling into the wrong hands.
Friends,
Regarding Climate Change, Bharat has adopted a unique approach. We are diligently exploring avenues such as solar energy, wind energy, hydro power, biofuels, and green hydrogen. Our cultural ethos impels us to reciprocate to nature what we have received from it. Hence, Bharat advocates for a novel path termed "Mission LiFE" – Lifestyle For Environment, advocating for a pro-environment lifestyle. Additionally, we have been deliberating on concepts like Carbon Credit for some time now, but now, we must contemplate Green Credit. This proposition was extensively discussed during COP-28 in Dubai.
Friends,
Looking towards the future, governments confront numerous challenges. How do we strike a balance between national sovereignty and international interdependence? How can we uphold our commitment to international rule of law while advancing national interests? How do we contribute more to global good while advancing national progress? How do we uphold universal values while drawing wisdom from our cultural heritage? How can we harness digital technology while safeguarding society from its adverse effects? How do we collectively combat terrorism while striving for global peace? As we embark on national transformation, should there not also be reform in global governance institutions? These questions necessitate careful consideration as we chart the course for our governments and plan for the future.
⮚ Together, we must champion the values of a united, cooperative, and collaborative global community.
⮚ It is imperative to advocate for the interests of the Developing World and ensure the active participation of the Global South in global decision-making processes.
⮚ We must heed the voices of the Global South and prioritize their concerns.
⮚ Sharing our resources and capabilities with less privileged nations is essential.
⮚ Establishing a global protocol to address challenges arising from AI, Artificial Intelligence, Cryptocurrency, and cybercrime is crucial.
⮚ We must uphold our national sovereignty while also respecting the principles of international law.
By adhering to these principles, we will not only address the challenges faced by governments but also foster global solidarity. Bharat, as a global ally (Vishwa-mitra), is committed to advancing this ethos. We championed this spirit during our G20 Presidency, embracing the principle of "One Earth, One Family, One Future."
Friends,
We all bring unique governance experiences to the table. It is not only essential to work together but also to learn from one another. This is the aim of this summit. This summit also aims to generate solutions that will shape the future of our world. With this vision in mind, I extend my best wishes to all participants!
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
