In continuation of efforts to lead the developing world, India will host the third edition of the Voice of the Global South on Saturday (August 17).
In the previous two editions, the Voice of the Global South has emerged as a forum to discuss the various concerns of the developing nations and chart ways forward to address the challenges posed by conflicts, food and energy insecurity, and climate change.
The Saturday’s summit will be held virtually. In the previous two editions, more than 100 developing nations took part.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the inaugural session of Voice of Global South Summit would be at heads of state- and heads of government-level and will be hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Theme of the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit
The theme of the third edition of the Voice of Global South will be ‘An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future’.
Ahead of the summit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement said that it was an extension of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas’.
”This unique initiative began as an extension of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ’Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas’, and is underpinned by India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family),” said the MEA.
Focus on development
The MEA said that the third edition of the summit will focus on addressing the developmental challenges of the Global South, a term used for the developing nations.
”At the Summit, the countries of the Global South would continue deliberations on challenges, priorities, and solutions for the Global South, particularly in the developmental domain,” said the MEA said in a statement.
Last year, the first edition of the summit was held on January 12-13 and the second edition was held on November 17. Both the editions were held virtually.
India as Global South’s voice at world stage
As part of its commitment to the developing world, India has frequently used its rising profile to raise the Global South’s issues at the world stage.
The discussions from the previous summits also contributed to raising the issues of the developing world at the G-20 Summit last year.
The advocacy of the Global South was central to India’s presidency of the G-20. At the G-20 Summit in Delhi, India was central to the African Union (AU) being granted the permanent membership of G-20.
In the G-7 Summit earlier this year in Italy, where India was a special invitee, Modi had raised the issues of the Global South. Noting that the developing nations suffered from disruptions and conflicts in the world, he said India remained committed to raising the concerns of the Global South.
Specifically highlighting India’s commitment to Africa, Modi said, “India has always considered it a responsibility to raise the priorities and concerns of the Global South’s nation on the world stage. India has accorded Africa high importance in such initiatives. We are proud that we made African Union (AU) a permanent member of G-20 during our presidency. India has been committed to the economic and social development of all nations and their stability and security and will remain committed in the future as well.”
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3 things to know about Voice of Global South Summit that India will host this week
