India will host the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit, marking a pivotal moment for countries in the Global South to voice their concerns, share their perspectives, and collaborate on addressing pressing global challenges. This initiative on Aug 17, closely aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas’ (Together with All, Development for All, the Trust of All, and the Efforts of All), embodies India’s longstanding philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—’the world is one family.’ The summit seeks to strengthen the unity of developing nations and empower them to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape that disproportionately affects them.
The Genesis and Evolution of the Summit
The Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS) was first convened in January 2023, followed by a second summit in November of the same year. Both events, held virtually, witnessed the participation of over 100 countries, reflecting the widespread recognition of the need for a unified platform for the Global South. The insights and recommendations garnered from these summits were integral to the discussions and outcomes of the G-20 Summit under India’s Presidency in 2023, underscoring the summit’s relevance and impact.
This year, the 3rd VOGSS continues this tradition, bringing together leaders and ministers from across the Global South under the theme “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future.” This theme not only highlights the need for sustainable development but also emphasizes the importance of empowerment as a cornerstone for the Global South to effectively tackle the challenges they face.
A Platform for Addressing Global Challenges
The 3rd VOGSS arrives at a critical juncture in global affairs, where conflicts, food and energy security crises, and climate change have exacerbated existing inequalities and created new challenges for developing countries. These issues, already severe, have been intensified by ongoing geopolitical tensions, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has disrupted global supply chains and triggered economic instability. For the Global South, these challenges are particularly acute, with many nations struggling to balance immediate needs with long-term development goals.
This summit offers a vital opportunity for the Global South to deliberate on these challenges collectively, identifying priorities and exploring solutions that are tailored to their unique circumstances. The focus on developmental issues is especially significant, as it underscores the need for sustainable growth strategies that can withstand external shocks and foster resilience in the face of future crises.
Structure and Key Sessions of the Summit
Like its predecessors, the 3rd VOGSS will be conducted virtually, featuring an inaugural session at the Head of State/Government level, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This session will set the tone for the summit, reaffirming the commitment of the Global South to work together towards a sustainable and empowered future.
The summit will also include ten Ministerial Sessions, each focusing on a specific area of concern for the Global South:
Foreign Ministers’ Session: “Charting a Unique Paradigm for Global South”
Health Ministers’ Session: “One World-One Health”
Youth Ministers’ Session: “Youth Engagement for a Better Future”
Commerce/Trade Ministers’ Session: “Trade for Development – Perspectives from Global South”
Information & Technology Ministers’ Session: “DPIs for Development – A Global South Approach”
Finance Ministers’ Session: “People-Centric Approach to Global Finance”
2nd Foreign Ministers’ Session: “Global South and Global Governance”
Energy Ministers’ Session: “Sustainable Energy Solutions for a Sustainable Future”
Education Ministers’ Session: “Prioritizing Human Resource Development: A Global South Perspective”
Environment Ministers’ Session: “Pathways for Progress – A Global South Perspective on Mitigating Climate Change”
These sessions are designed to facilitate in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics, from health and education to finance and climate change, ensuring that the voices of the Global South are heard in global governance forums.
Significance in the Current Geopolitical Context
The 3rd Voice of Global South Summit is not just another international conference; it is a strategic response to the challenges and opportunities facing developing nations today. In a world increasingly polarized by geopolitical rivalries, the Global South needs to assert its collective voice more than ever. This summit provides a platform for these nations to not only highlight their concerns but also to propose concrete solutions and pathways for progress.
Moreover, as the world grapples with the long-term impacts of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Global South must play an active role in shaping the global agenda. By coming together at this summit, these nations can leverage their collective strength to advocate for a more equitable and sustainable world order.