On August 17, 2024, India hosted the third Voice of Global South Summit in a virtual gathering, marking a pivotal moment for developing nations to articulate their collective voice on the global stage.
The summit, themed “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future,” saw participation from 123 countries, with 21 heads of state and numerous foreign ministers joining the discussions, underscoring the event’s importance in global diplomacy.
Unity and Progress
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the summit, emphasizing the need for unity among Global South nations to tackle shared challenges like health security, food security, energy security, and the digital divide.
Mr. Modi highlighted India’s commitment to sharing its capabilities, particularly in digital public infrastructure (DPI), by contributing $25 million to a Social Impact Fund to accelerate DPI use across the Global South.
The summit focused on sustainable development, discussing how countries can advance together. PM Modi’s address underscored the importance of the Global South standing together, especially in times of global uncertainty, advocating for a unified approach to global governance reforms.
UN Reforms
Discussions at the summit touched on the necessity of reforming global governance structures, with PM Modi and other leaders calling for a more inclusive UN Security Council that reflects today’s geopolitical realities.
The sentiment was clear: the Global South seeks a more equitable voice in international decision-making processes.
Conflicts and Terrorism
The summit did not shy away from global issues like terrorism, extremism, and separatism, which PM Modi described as severe threats to societies.
The dialogue also covered the impact of ongoing conflicts, particularly how they affect food, fuel, and fertilizer prices, directly impacting the Global South.
Launch of Initiatives
Beyond discussions, the summit saw the launch of several initiatives aimed at fostering cooperation. These include the Global South Science and Technology Initiative, the Global South Scholarship Program, and collaboration in health sectors, signaling a move towards practical solutions for shared challenges.
China and Pakistan were not invited to this summit, reflecting strategic choices in diplomatic engagements, possibly due to geopolitical tensions or strategic alignment preferences.