PM Modi calls global governance a ‘pyramid of privilege’, seeks BRICS roadmap for reform

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday linked the current structure of global governance to a “pyramid”, saying power and decision-making remain concentrated at the top while countries affected by those decisions are left with little ability to shape them.

In his opening remarks at the BRICS Session on ‘Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism’, he said the challenge before the grouping was not just to strengthen BRICS but also to chart a new course for reforming global institutions.

“While strengthening BRICS, we must also chart a course for global reform. The current structure of global governance resembles a pyramid: power and decision-making are concentrated at the top, while the lower tiers consist of nations that are affected by these decisions yet unable to shape them,” Modi said.


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The imbalance was particularly stark for the Global South, which he said finds itself at the forefront of global crises but excluded from the centres of decision-making.

“Today, the Global South stands in the front row of global crises but in the back row of decision-making,” Modi said.

Calling for a fundamental restructuring of the global governance architecture, he said the existing “pyramid of privilege” must be transformed into a “platform of partnership”.

Such a system, PM Modi said, should ensure that every nation has a voice, every member has a stake and the development of humanity remains at the heart of global cooperation.

“To this end, I propose that we jointly formulate 10 proposals for global governance reform, aiming to shape them into a BRICS reform roadmap by the time of the next Summit,” Modi said.

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The proposal puts institutional reform and greater representation for developing countries at the centre of India’s pitch at the BRICS Summit, with PM Modi seeking to turn the grouping’s broader criticism of the existing global order into a concrete reform agenda before the next leaders’ meeting.

He said, "The message from this BRICS Summit being hosted by India should be clear. If our future is shared, the right to shape that future should also be shared. From voice to impact, from privilege to partnership, this should be the guiding resolve of BRICS at present."

In formulating a roadmap, he highlighted three three key aspects for focus: Representation, Responsiveness, and Rule-making.

On representation, he said, " I would like to state that reform of the UN Security Council can no longer be postponed. Negotiations on this matter must be linked to a definite timeframe and clear outcomes. Similarly, voting power, leadership positions, and policy priorities within financial institutions must align with today's economic realities. Countries that drive global economic growth should also play an appropriate role in shaping global economic governance..."

Under responsiveness, PM Modi pitched the creation of a 'Seafarers Emergency Support Network' to strengthen speed, scale and last-mile impact of collective responses. The network would connect the maritime authorities and diplomatic missions of relevant countries, facilitating assistance with distress alerts, medical aid, family notifications, and evacuations

On rule making, he said, "Ensuring equal participation in shaping the rules that will determine future global growth is extremely important. AI, cyberspace, outer space, biotechnology and critical technologies are not only creating opportunities for the future, but are also shaping the rules of the future..."