Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his speech at the opening session of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg to introduce three major proposals focused on healthcare, traditional knowledge, and a global effort against drug trafficking.

While speaking at the session on ‘Inclusive and sustainable economic growth leaving no one behind’, PM Modi pointed out that although the G20 has shaped global finance and growth for many years, current models have left large populations without resources and have led to the excessive use of natural resources, a problem that is strongly felt in Africa.

The Prime Minister introduced three major new initiatives. He first proposed a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository. He noted that many communities around the world continue to maintain eco-balanced, culturally rich, and socially connected ways of living, and he suggested creating a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository under the G20.

He said that India’s Indian Knowledge Systems initiative can serve as the foundation for this platform. He explained that the repository will collect and share traditional wisdom that shows proven models of sustainable living, making sure that this knowledge is passed on to future generations.

The second proposal was the G20 Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative. PM Modi stressed that Africa’s development is in the interest of the entire world, and he proposed the G20 Africa Skills Multiplier.

He said that the initiative will use a train-the-trainers model across various sectors, supported and financed by all G20 members, with a shared goal of producing one million certified trainers in Africa over the next ten years, who will then help train millions of young people.

The third proposal was the G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug Terror Nexus. The Prime Minister drew attention to the fast spread of dangerous synthetic drugs such as fentanyl and warned about their serious effects on public health, social stability, and global security.

He suggested creating a dedicated G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug Terror Nexus, which aims to bring together financial, governance, and security measures, and he said that the initiative will work to break trafficking networks, stop illegal financial flows, and weaken a major source of funding for terrorism.

Speaking during the session on inclusive and sustainable growth, he wrote on X that “NOW is the right moment for us to revisit our development parameters and focus on growth that is inclusive and sustainable,” adding that India’s civilisational values, especially the principle of Integral Humanism, “offers a way forward.”

PM Modi said he had suggested “a few actionables to realise our dream of all-round growth,” beginning with the plan to create a G20 Global Traditional Knowledge Repository.

He pointed out that India “has a rich history in this regard,” explaining that the platform would allow member countries to share inherited knowledge systems that support “good health and wellbeing.”

He also said that the repository would help document traditional wisdom that supports sustainable living and make sure this knowledge is carried forward for future generations.

He highlighted Africa’s growing importance in global decision-making, stressing, “Africa’s progress is vital for global progress,” and expressed pride that the African Union became a permanent G20 member during India’s presidency.

Building on this, he proposed the G20 Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative, which aims to create one million certified trainers in Africa over the next ten years through a train-the-trainers model supported by G20 partners.

On global health, PM Modi called for a G20 Global Healthcare Response Team to help countries respond quickly during emergencies.

“We are stronger when we work together in the face of health emergencies and natural disasters,” he wrote, urging the creation of multinational teams of trained medical experts ready for rapid deployment.

He also asked for united action against drug trafficking, warning about the spread of “extremely dangerous substances like fentanyl.”

India, he said, was proposing a G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug Terror Nexus, declaring, “Let us weaken the wretched drug-terror economy!” The initiative aims to disrupt trafficking networks, stop illegal financial flows, and weaken a major source of funding for terrorism.

PM Modi’s message came as he began a busy schedule in Johannesburg, where he received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora with cultural performances showing folk traditions from 11 Indian states. His visit also included meetings with tech entrepreneurs and winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye quiz, which he said “truly strengthens our diaspora’s connect with India.”

He described a performance of the South African Girmitiya song Ganga Maiya sung in both Bhojpuri and Tamil as a “joyful and emotional experience,” saying it showed the lasting cultural bond shared by the community.

Before the summit discussions, PM Modi met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to review cooperation in sectors including defence, nuclear energy, trade, and education.