CAN prioritising women’s leadership and youth innovation create a more prosperous world? Both Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Guyanese President Dr. Irfaan Ali firmly believe it can. In his historic address to Guyana’s National Assembly, PM Modi emphasised the transformative potential of empowering women and fostering collaboration among youth—values closely aligned with Guyana’s ongoing development agenda.

Prime Minister Modi’s call to action was clear: in the 21st century, women must take centre stage in shaping a prosperous global future. Drawing from India’s own progress, he shared examples of strides made toward gender equity. From the landmark Women’s Reservation Bill allocating 33 per cent of parliamentary seats to women to India’s notable achievements in STEM, where women comprise 40 per cent of graduates, the message was one of hope and action.

“This is not the story of any one country, not just the Global South, but it is the story of the whole world,” PM Modi said, noting that unlocking women’s potential is a universal necessity.
His sentiments resonate deeply in Guyana, where women’s empowerment has been a cornerstone of President Ali’s administration. Women hold 39.4 per cent of parliamentary seats—above the global average—and new policies aim to bolster their roles further. Initiatives such as allocating over 50 per cent of house lots to women and promoting their entry into non-traditional sectors like carpentry exemplify Guyana’s commitment to gender parity.

Programmes like the Women’s Investment and Innovation Network (WIIN) and scholarships through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) provide additional pathways for economic involvement, solidifying Guyana’s position as a leader in gender-focused development.

Equally significant in PM Modi’s address was the role of youth as drivers of collaboration and innovation. He invited Guyanese students to engage with India’s advanced education system and collaborate with Indian scientists and innovators to solve global challenges.

“Together, we can find solutions to global challenges through creative collaboration,” he stated, underscoring the role of youth as a bridge between nations.

Guyana has already embraced this vision, recognising the transformative power of investing in young people. Through education, skill development, and technology partnerships, both nations have an opportunity to empower the next generation to lead with creativity and purpose.

PM Modi’s state visit to Guyana, the first by an Indian leader in over 50 years, reflects a deepening bond between the two nations. Agreements signed during his visit in sectors like hydrocarbons, agriculture, and digital payments further underscore their shared commitment to progress.

President Ali praised PM Modi’s leadership, highlighting the historical ties between the nations, rooted in a shared history and the Indian diaspora in Guyana. With nearly 40 per cent of Guyana’s population tracing their heritage to India, this partnership represents a confluence of shared values and aspirations.

The messages from PM Modi and President Ali are a rallying call for the world to prioritise inclusion and innovation. By elevating women into leadership roles and equipping youth with the tools to innovate, both India and Guyana are paving the way for a future defined by shared prosperity.

As Modi aptly put it, “This is our time to come together and create a new global order.” The challenge is not just for India or Guyana but for nations worldwide to embrace this vision. The time to act is now.