Bill Gates applauds PM Modi’s leadership after G20’s groundbreaking consensus on DPI

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and commended the G20’s ‘groundbreaking’ consensus on the pivotal role of digital public infrastructure in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Bill Gates wrote, “The #G20 reached a groundbreaking consensus on the role of digital public infrastructure as a critical accelerator of the Sustainable Development Goals. ”

“I’m optimistic about the potential of DPI to support a safer, healthier, and more just world. Kudos to PM @narendramodi,” he wrote.

Digital public infrastructure (DPI) encompasses essential building blocks like digital identity, payment systems, and data exchange solutions, enabling governments to deliver critical services, empower citizens, and enhance lives through digital inclusion. DPIs are technology-enabled, open, and inclusive platforms that facilitate widespread public and private services, playing a crucial role in fostering this inclusive digital revolution.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that the New Delhi Declaration adopted by G20 leaders prioritizes robust, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth while striving to accelerate progress towards the SDGs.

The G20 leaders, through their declaration, pledged to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by collectively taking action to effectively and promptly implement the G20 2023 Action Plan aimed at advancing the SDGs, which includes its High-Level Principles.

“We will ensure that no one is left behind. We commend the efforts of the Indian Presidency to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. To this end, we recognise the role of digital transformation, Al, data advances, and the need to address digital divides. We endorse the G20 Principles on Harnessing Data for Development (D4D) and welcome the decision to launch Data for Development Capacity Building Initiative, and other existing initiatives,” the declaration read.

On the preceding Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the successful formation of a consensus regarding the New Delhi G20 Leaders’ Summit Declaration and confirmed its adoption.

India welcomed world leaders to the newly inaugurated Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in Pragati Maidan as it hosted the first G20 Leaders’ Summit under its presidency.

Established in 1999, the G20’s purpose is to maintain global financial stability by incorporating middle-income countries. India assumed the G20 presidency last year on December 1.