India hosted the third Voice of Global South Summit on Saturday in a virtual format, with participation from 123 countries worldwide. Notably absent from the invite list were China and Pakistan. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed these details during a media briefing following the conclusion of the summit, which centred on addressing the shared challenges faced by developing nations, collectively known as the Global South.
According to Jaishankar, the summit saw participation from 21 countries at the level of heads of state and government, while 34 foreign ministers also took part. 118 other ministers joined the event, which featured 10 ministerial sessions.
In recent years, India has emerged as a prominent voice for the Global South, particularly emphasizing the concerns and aspirations of developing nations, with a special focus on Africa. Last year during its G20 presidency, India prioritised issues such as inclusive growth, digital innovation, climate resilience, and equitable access to global health, all aimed at benefiting the Global South.
The Voice of Global South Summit was initiated as a platform to amplify the concerns, aspirations, and perspectives of countries in the Global South .. all nations that have historically been marginalized in global political and economic discourse. The summit emerged as a response to the growing realization that the existing global governance structures, dominated by the Global North, often do not adequately represent the interests of developing countries.
These nations face unique challenges, including poverty, climate change, economic inequality, and political instability, which are frequently overlooked in international forums where the Global North sets the agenda. The idea behind the summit was to create a dedicated space where the leaders and representatives of Global South countries could come together to discuss their shared challenges, explore opportunities for collaboration, and formulate strategies to address global issues from their unique perspectives.
By coming together, these nations aim to strengthen their collective voice on the global stage, ensuring that their concerns are heard and addressed in a meaningful way. Countries whose leaders participated in the summit included Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Chile, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Grenada, Guyana, Lao PDR, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mongolia, Nepal, Oman, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Uruguay, and Vietnam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the Leaders’ session.
The summit seeks to challenge the current global governance systems, which often exclude or underrepresent the voices of developing nations. By bringing together leaders from the Global South, the summit advocates for a more inclusive and equitable international order, where the needs and interests of all nations, regardless of their economic or political power, are considered.
The summit emphasizes the importance of cooperation among Global South countries. By sharing experiences, resources, and knowledge, these nations can collectively address common challenges such as poverty, climate change, and sustainable development. The summit serves as a catalyst for building stronger partnerships and fostering regional and inter-regional collaboration.
Jaishankar highlighted that climate change was a major topic of discussion at the summit, with many leaders expressing concerns about debt burdens and the challenges posed by new technologies. There was a broad consensus on the need for reforms in the global governance framework, and the situation in Gaza was also brought up during the discussions.
Several leaders voiced concerns about issues of sovereignty, strategic autonomy, and external interference. In the foreign ministerial sessions, discussions included the challenges of debt distress and slow credit growth, as well as topics like a rules-based order, sovereignty, equality, mutual respect, and partnerships based on equality.
Despite the importance of unity, the Global South faces significant challenges, including internal disparities in economic development, political instability, and differing national interests. To overcome these challenges, the Global South must continue to foster solidarity, focusing on common goals such as poverty reduction, sustainable development, and equitable participation in global governance.
The Global South’s history, mandate, and alliances underscore the critical importance of unity. As these nations continue to collaborate and advocate for a more just and inclusive world order, the Global South remains a vital force in shaping the future of global relations.
The Voice of Global South Summit was started to address the imbalances in global governance and to ensure that the perspectives of developing nations are heard and respected. The summit serves as a vital platform for promoting inclusivity, fostering cooperation, and advocating for the rights and interests of the Global South on the global stage.
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