Johannesburg, Nov 22 (NationPress) In a compelling address at the inaugural session of the G20 Leaders' Summit held in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday introduced a range of innovative initiatives and urged a significant reevaluation of global development criteria.

"I spoke at the opening session of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, which emphasized inclusive and sustainable growth. With Africa hosting the G20 Summit for the first time, now is the opportune time to reassess our development criteria and prioritize growth that is both inclusive and sustainable. India's civilizational values, particularly the principle of Integral Humanism, provide a pathway forward," PM Modi shared on X after his speech at the session titled 'Inclusive and sustainable economic growth leaving no one behind'.

Recognizing that numerous communities globally maintain eco-friendly, culturally rich, and socially cohesive lifestyles, Prime Minister Modi suggested the establishment of a 'Global Traditional Knowledge Repository' under the G20.

He expressed that India's Indian Knowledge Systems initiative could serve as the foundation for this platform, emphasizing that the repository will archive and disseminate traditional wisdom showcasing time-tested sustainable living models, ensuring this knowledge is preserved for future generations.

"I proposed several actionable items to realize our vision of comprehensive growth. The foremost among them is the creation of a G20 Global Traditional Knowledge Repository. With India's extensive history in this domain, it will assist us in transmitting our collective wisdom to promote good health and wellness," PM Modi stated.

Additionally, Prime Minister Modi introduced the transformative 'G20-Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative', highlighting that although the G20 has historically influenced global finance and growth, existing models have excluded vast populations from resources and contributed to the over-exploitation of nature, particularly impacting Africa.

"Africa's advancement is crucial for global progress. India has consistently shown support for Africa. I take pride in the fact that during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union attained permanent G20 membership. In this spirit, India proposes the G20–Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative. Our collective aim should be to cultivate 1 million certified trainers in Africa over the next decade," PM Modi declared on X.

This initiative will implement a train-the-trainers model across various sectors, backed and funded by all G20 partners. The target is to establish one million certified trainers in Africa over the next ten years, who will subsequently train millions of youth.

Another G20 initiative introduced by PM Modi focused on 'Countering the Drug–Terror Nexus', which highlighted the urgent issue of the rapid proliferation of lethal synthetic drugs like fentanyl. The Prime Minister cautioned about their severe implications for public health, social stability, and global security.

He proposed a dedicated G20 initiative to counter the drug-terror nexus, aimed at integrating financial, governance, and security measures. This initiative will assist in disrupting trafficking networks, halting illegal financial flows, and undermining a significant funding source for terrorism.

"To tackle the menace of drug trafficking, especially the spread of extremely hazardous substances like fentanyl, India proposes a G20 initiative on countering the drug-terror nexus. Let us dismantle the abhorrent drug-terror economy!" PM Modi asserted.

Furthermore, PM Modi proposed the formation of a G20 Global Healthcare Response Team.

"India advocates for the establishment of a G20 Global Healthcare Response Team. We are more resilient when we collaborate to address health emergencies and natural disasters. Our objective should be to form teams of trained medical professionals from fellow G20 nations who are prepared for rapid deployment during emergencies," he concluded.