On behalf of 140 crore Indians, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to the global leaders attending the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit. He expressed his delight at reconnecting with these leaders following India's General Elections, emphasizing the significance of this platform for open discussions on development-related challenges and priorities.
When India assumed the G20 Presidency in 2022, the nation resolved to reshape the G20’s character, focusing on inclusivity and development. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the Voice of Global South Summit emerged as a crucial platform where development-related challenges and priorities were openly discussed. The G20 agenda was thus crafted based on the aspirations and needs of the Global South, with a key highlight being the historic inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20.
Challenges Facing the Global South
Prime Minister Modi’s speech highlighted the current global climate of uncertainty. He pointed out that the world is still grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, while ongoing wars have further complicated the path to development. In addition to these, the Global South faces a multitude of challenges, including:
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Climate Change: An ongoing concern that poses significant risks to sustainable development.
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Health, Food, and Energy Security: Rising concerns that threaten the stability of nations.
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Terrorism, Extremism, and Separatism: Persistent threats to societal harmony.
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Technology Divide: Emerging economic and social challenges linked to technology.
These challenges underscore the inadequacies of global governance and financial institutions, many of which were established in the previous century and are now struggling to address contemporary issues.
A Call for Unity and Collaboration
Prime Minister Modi called for unity among the countries of the Global South, urging them to stand together and support one another. He emphasized the importance of learning from each other’s experiences and sharing capabilities to turn collective resolutions into successful outcomes. India, he assured, is committed to sharing its experiences and capabilities, particularly in promoting mutual trade, inclusive growth, the advancement of Sustainable Development Goals, and women-led development.
In recent years, mutual cooperation within the Global South has been strengthened through initiatives in infrastructure, digital, and energy connectivity. Under Mission LIFE, India has prioritized rooftop solar and renewable power generation not just domestically but also in partner countries.
Promoting Digital Public Infrastructure
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the transformative role of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in fostering inclusive growth. The Global DPI Repository, created under India’s G20 Presidency, was the first-ever multilateral consensus on DPI, marking a significant achievement. Agreements to share the "India Stack" have been made with 12 partners from the Global South, further accelerating DPI development.
To support this initiative, India has established the Social Impact Fund, with an initial contribution of $25 million, aimed at speeding up the spread of DPI in the Global South.
India’s Humanitarian Efforts and Health Initiatives
The Prime Minister also emphasized India’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian assistance and health security under the "One World-One Health" mission. Through initiatives like "Arogya Maitri" or "Friendship for Health," India has provided critical support to countries in need, including hospitals, dialysis machines, life-saving medicines, and affordable healthcare through ‘Jan Aushadhi Kendras’.
India’s role as a first responder in times of humanitarian crises, whether during a volcanic eruption in Papua New Guinea or a flood crisis in Kenya, reflects its commitment to global solidarity. Additionally, India has extended humanitarian assistance in conflict areas, including Gaza and Ukraine.
Strengthening the Voice of the Global South
The Voice of Global South Summit serves as a vital platform for amplifying the needs and aspirations of two-thirds of humanity that have often been overlooked. Prime Minister Modi expressed his belief that the strength of unity among these nations will lead to a new direction in global governance.
With the upcoming Summit of the Future at the United Nations, discussions are underway on the "Pact for the Future." Prime Minister Modi concluded his speech by calling on the Global South to take a positive approach together, ensuring that their collective voice is heard in this pact.
As India continues to champion the cause of the Global South, it is evident that the nation is committed to fostering a more inclusive and sustainable global order, ensuring that the concerns of the Global South are not marginalized in international forums.
With inputs from PIB
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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