The inaugural Voice of the Global South Summit saw the participation of over 100 countries
On Saturday (August 17, 2024), India will host the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit, an event that has garnered significant attention as a powerful platform for nations in the Global South to voice their concerns, share their experiences, and propose collective solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. This summit, set to be held virtually, builds upon the momentum created by its previous editions.
 
A Vision Rooted in Inclusivity and Global Cooperation
The Voice of Global South Summit is an extension of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas" (Together with All, Development for All, Trust of All, and Efforts by All). It is deeply rooted in the ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which translates to "The World is One Family." This philosophy underpins India’s approach to international relations, emphasizing inclusivity, mutual respect, and cooperation on a global scale.
 
Since its inception, the summit has aimed to bring together countries from the Global South—a term that refers to developing nations in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean—to share their perspectives and priorities on various global issues. The goal is to create a unified voice that can influence global decision-making processes and ensure that the concerns of the Global South are adequately addressed on international platforms such as the G20.
 
The inaugural Voice of Global South Summit was held virtually on January 12-13, 2023, and saw the participation of over 100 countries from across the Global South. The summit was a significant milestone in international diplomacy, providing a much-needed platform for developing nations to articulate their concerns and collaborate on solutions. The discussions and inputs from this summit played a crucial role in shaping the agenda of the G20 Summit held under India's presidency later that year.
 
Building on the success of the first summit, the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit was held on November 17, 2023. This summit expanded the dialogue to include even more countries, further solidifying the Global South’s collective voice on the global stage. The feedback and suggestions from these summits were instrumental in the formulation of the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, which highlighted the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by developing nations.
 
The 3rd Voice of Global South Summit, with the overarching theme "An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future," aims to deepen the discussions initiated in the previous summits. The focus will be on a range of complex challenges that disproportionately affect developing countries, including conflicts, food and energy security crises, and climate change. These issues have been exacerbated by recent global events, including ongoing conflicts and the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
 
At the heart of the summit’s agenda is the recognition that the Global South must play a central role in shaping solutions to these challenges. The summit will provide a platform for leaders to share their experiences, identify common priorities, and propose strategies for sustainable development that are tailored to the unique needs of their countries.
 
Like its predecessors, the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit will be held in a virtual format and will be divided into a Leaders’ Session and multiple Ministerial Sessions. The inaugural session, to be hosted by Prime Minister Modi, will be attended by Heads of State and Government.
 
The summit will feature 10 Ministerial Sessions, each dedicated to a specific theme relevant to the Global South:
1. Foreign Ministers’ Session: "Charting a Unique Paradigm for Global South"
2. Health Ministers’ Session: "One World-One Health"
3. Youth Ministers’ Session: "Youth Engagement for a Better Future"
4. Commerce/Trade Ministers’ Session: "Trade for Development- Perspectives from Global South"
5. Information & Technology Ministers’ Session: "DPIs for Development- A Global South Approach"
6. Finance Ministers’ Session: "People-Centric Approach to Global Finance"
7. 2nd Foreign Ministers’ Session: "Global South and Global Governance"
8. Energy Ministers’ Session: "Sustainable Energy Solutions for a Sustainable Future"
9. Education Ministers’ Session: "Prioritising Human Resource Development: A Global South Perspective"
10. Environment Ministers’ Session: "Pathways for Progress- A Global South Perspective on Mitigating Climate Change"
 
These sessions are designed to facilitate in-depth discussions on the specific challenges and opportunities in each area, allowing for a comprehensive approach to the issues at hand.
 
Through this summit, India seeks to institutionalize a platform where the Global South can collectively address their challenges and work towards a more inclusive and sustainable global order.
 
The institutionalization of the summit also reflects India’s broader commitment to ensuring that the concerns of the Global South are not marginalized in international forums. During its G20 Presidency, India made significant strides in bringing the perspectives of the Global South to the forefront, including advocating for the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20. This move was widely seen as a victory for the Global South, ensuring that their voices are heard in one of the world’s most influential international organizations.
 
As the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit approaches, there is a growing sense of optimism among participating nations. The summit is expected to produce actionable outcomes that will not only address the immediate challenges faced by developing nations but also lay the groundwork for a more equitable and sustainable future. With India at the helm, the Global South is poised to play a more prominent role in shaping the global agenda in the years to come.