Stage is all set for the second Voice of Global South Summit scheduled on November 17, 2023, which is poised to be a comprehensive assembly, featuring a total of 10 sessions. The summit will be in virtual format. The day will kick off with a morning Inaugural Leaders’ Session, to be chaired by the Prime Minister.
Subsequently, eight Ministerial Sessions will unfold, delving into critical areas such as Foreign Affairs, Education, Finance, Environment, Energy, Health, and Commerce. The summit will culminate in a Concluding Leaders’ Session in the evening.
During the upcoming summit, India plans to share the significant outcomes achieved in various G20 meetings throughout its Presidency with fellow Global South countries, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The discussions are expected to encompass the challenges posed by global developments. During the weekly briefing on Thursday official Spokesperson of MEA Arindam Bagchi underlined that countries have the freedom to address any issue they deem important and are encouraged to voice their concerns.
What is Global South?
The term “Global South” refers to nations characterized by a relatively low level of economic and industrial development, typically situated to the south of more industrialized nations. In the virtual inaugural Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS) held on January 12-13, 2023, India brought together 125 countries to share their perspectives and priorities on a unified platform. These insights were then incorporated into India’s agenda for the G20 Presidency.
A noteworthy outcome of this initiative was the call for African representation in the G20, a recommendation that materialized when the African Union became the 21st member of the body during the New Delhi Summit. This achievement garnered appreciation not only from African nations but also from countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Looking ahead, the government anticipates sustained engagement with the Global South, aiming for concrete results such as strengthened ties, market opportunities, strategic alliances, and a balanced geopolitical landscape, with a specific focus on managing relations with China. The approach emphasizes practical outcomes and continued collaboration for mutual benefit.
With participation extending from the Pacific Islands in the East to Latin America in the West, the summit signifies a truly global collaboration. Its central focus will be to spotlight and share the positive outcomes and advancements achieved during Bharat’s G-20 Presidency in addressing the concerns and priorities of the Global South. Moreover, leaders will engage in thoughtful deliberations, charting a collective path forward to achieve common objectives.
The Inaugural Leaders’ Session, set to take place from 1000 to 1100 hours , is expected to be a cornerstone event, setting the tone for the entire day’s discussions. As the international community eagerly awaits this gathering, the summit stands as a testament to the importance of unity and collaboration among nations. It emphasizes the significance of having a collective voice and purpose, especially in addressing global challenges.
In reflection of the success of the first summit, this upcoming event holds promise as a crucial platform for constructive discussions and shared initiatives on the global stage. The Voice of Global South Summit is not merely a meeting; it is a manifestation of collective aspirations and shared visions, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation among nations.