Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for giving priority to the concerns of the Global South, in particular Africa. Addressing the Outreach Session at the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy on Friday, Mr Modi recalled that it was a matter of honour for India that African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20 under its presidency.
Mr Modi elaborated on India’s energy transition pathway noting that its approach was based on availability, accessibility, affordability and acceptability. He mentioned that India was working towards achieving the target of NET ZERO by 2070. Alluding to India’s Mission LiFE, he called upon the global community to join the tree plantation campaign launched by him on World Environment Day – “Plant4Mother” [ Ek Pedh Maa Ke Naam] and make it a mass movement with personal touch and global responsibility.
Talking of India’s AI Mission premised on “AI for All”, Prime Minister emphasised that this technology should be aimed at fostering progress and well-being of all. He underlined that India was fostering international collaboration as a founding member of Global Partnership for AI.
Prime Minister Modi congratulated the Group on its 50th anniversary milestone. He expressed that it was a matter of great satisfaction for him to be attending the Summit after his re-election in the largest democratic exercise in the history of humankind. He expressed that for technology to be successful, it had to be underpinned by a human-centric approach. He shared India’s success in leveraging digital technology for public service delivery.
In her opening remarks, the Italian Prime Minister said they wanted to send a clear message from the G7 and Italian presidency that they will never accept the narrative that wants the West against the rest. She said the global challenges can only be dealt with if nations are able to cooperate with respect, and peer to peer approach. She highlighted that the Outreach Session is dedicated to the challenges which are very pressing, incuding Artificial Interlligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean.