Security Council Reforms Must For Greater Credibility, PM Modi Tells UN

New York: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today pitched for reform of the United Nations Security Council in his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, which is holding a summit on sustainable development.

In an 18-minute speech in Hindi, peppered with Sanskrit shlokas, the Prime Minister said, "We must reform the United Nations including its Security Council so that it carries greater credibility and legitimacy."

His pitch came as India makes a strong bid for a permanent seat in an expanded Security Council, a powerful world body.

At the summit, which is drawing up a blueprint of the goals over the next 15 years, PM Modi asserted that global challenges like climate change and sustainable development were the collective responsibility of all nations.

"In addressing climate change, it is important to focus on solutions that can help us reach our goals. We should forge a global public partnership to harness technology, innovation and finance to put affordable clean and renewable energy within the reach of all," he said.

"Equally, we must look for changes in our lifestyles that would make us less dependent on energy and more sustainable in our consumption."

He made an equally strong pitch for the eradication of poverty, describing how India has launched initiatives for financial inclusion and empowerment. "We are all dreaming of a world that is free from poverty".

The Prime Minister asked that the developed nations to fulfil their responsibility of sharing technology, innovation and finances with developing countries.

"Addressing the needs of 1.3 billion poor people in the world is not merely a question of their survival and dignity or our moral responsibility. It is a vital necessity for ensuring peaceful, sustainable and just world," he said.