Authentic Voice of Global South

India convened the third edition of the “Voice of the Global South Summit” on 17th August 2024. Like past editions, the meeting was conducted in virtual mode. It was represented by 123 countries, testifying to the popularity and importance attached to the summit by counties belonging to the Global South.

Importance of the Voice of Global South Summit

• Backdrop of summit: The summit took place against the backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, a global economic crisis, and enduring conflicts. It is no secret that these have a disproportionate impact on countries of the Global South, even if these countries had no role to play in the crises themselves.
• The theme of the summit, “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future,” sums up well the strategic objectives of the meeting. 

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India’s Role

• India at centre stage: India took the initiative to have the first and second summits in 2023 and managed to speak on behalf of all countries of the Global South in the Delhi G20 summit. India considers itself an important part of the Global South and has been harping on the theme of unity and solidarity among its members.
• UN’s Summit of the Future: PM Modi would attend the “Summit of the Future,” and he will be well placed to express himself on this subject at the UN Summit of the Future by stressing that the reform of multilateral institutions, particularly the UN, can no longer be put off, and countries of the Global South are beginning to lose patience in this regard.
• PM Modi’s visit to Ukraine: PM Modi’s potential visit to Ukraine may convey concerns about the negative impact on the growth and sustainability prospects of the Global South due to the conflict in Ukraine. He can pitch India’s consistent message that the solution to the war in Ukraine cannot possibly emerge from the battlefield but around diplomacy and negotiations. 

Important highlights of the Voice of Global South Summit

• Sustainable Development Goals: The summit devoted considerable attention to the issue of poor implementation of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and the need for women-led development in countries of the Global South. 
• Climate change and energy transitions: The other important theme of the summit was climate change and energy transitions. There cannot be a sustainable future for the countries of the Global South without adequate climate finance and accessible technology. In the forthcoming meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP) in Azerbaijan in November, the countries participating in the Global South summit might consider making a joint submission. 
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): India has expressed willingness to contribute USD 25 million to a Social Impact Fund to accelerate progress in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in the Global South. This would also be critical in bridging the digital divide that exists among countries of the Global South.
• Global Development Compact: PM Modi proposed a “Global Development Compact.” The foundation of this compact will be based on India’s development journey and experiences of development partnerships. This Compact will be inspired by the development priorities set by the countries of the global south themselves.

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As PM Modi prepares to address global platforms like the UN’s Summit of the Future and engage with Ukraine, his message aligns with the summit’s theme of “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future.” The principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” or “The World is One Family,” encapsulates India’s vision of a united Global South working towards common goals. This vision reaffirms the importance of collective action and mutual support in achieving a more equitable and sustainable global future.