Modi in Davos: PM discusses three biggest challenges of today
PM Narendra Modi talked about climate change, good vs bad terrorism and self-centeredness, the three biggest challenges the world is apparently facing today, at the 48th World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos, Switzerland. Modi is the first Indian PM to attend the summit in 20 years, after HD Deve Gowda. The theme for this year is "Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World."
Political/business bigwigs, intellectuals, celebrities and activists debate the world's problems at this annual event. This year, 3,000 delegates and 70 world leaders including France's Emmanuel Macron, US's Donald Trump and Pakistan's Shahid Khaqan Abbasi are attending. Modi was the first of the week's keynote speakers.
In his speech, Modi listed the three biggest challenges today: climate change, nations distinguishing between good and bad terrorism, and countries becoming self-centered. Issues of "peace and security" have emerged as serious global challenges, he said. "New powers are changing the balance between economic and political strength." He also mentioned the "race to control data," because "he who controls data will dominate the future."
Talking about India, Modi said improvement in economic ranking is an indicator that "people have warmly welcomed the change in policies." "The route we have chosen is: reform, perform, transform." "Democracy, demography and dynamism are giving shape to development and destiny in India," he said. Modi added how India is willing to help others: "India has sent the most number of UN peacekeeping forces."
Mukesh Ambani and Shahrukh Khan in the audience as PM Modi addresses the plenary session of the #WorldEconomicForum in #Davos pic.twitter.com/thfl5Lc4qy
— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018
Modi interacted with CEOs at a roundtable before a dinner meet and narrated India's growth story. This morning, he met Swiss President Alain Berset to review bilateral cooperation. He also held talks with Professor Klaus Schwab, WEF executive chairman. To showcase its potential as a driver of global economic growth, India hosted a welcome reception at the Congress Centre, attended by 1,500 delegates.
