Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a strong call for solidarity among countries of the Global South on Saturday, urging them to “unite, stand together in one voice, and become each other’s strength” in response to the pressing issues of geopolitical conflicts and climate change. His remarks came during the Inaugural Session of the Voice of Global South Summit 3.0, by India in a virtual format.
In his opening address, Modi emphasized the multifaceted challenges facing the Global South, stating, “We are not only grappling with climate change, but also with concerns surrounding health security, food security, and energy security. Emerging issues related to the technology divide and new economic and social challenges also demand our attention.”
The Prime Minister underscored the urgency of addressing these challenges, highlighting the detrimental effects of terrorism, extremism, and separatism on societies. He criticized existing global governance and financial institutions for their inability to effectively address the problems of the current century.
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“We must come together to recognize two-thirds of humanity,” Modi urged. “By learning from each other’s experiences and sharing our capabilities, we can turn our resolutions into success.”
Voice of Global South Summit
Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Global South countries, stating, “India is dedicated to sharing its experiences and capabilities with all nations in the Global South.” He reflected on India’s G20 presidency in 2022, noting that it provided a platform for discussing developmental priorities and problems. The Voice of Global South Summit, he added, was instrumental in shaping the G20 agenda to reflect the hopes and aspirations of these nations.
Highlighting achievements during India’s G20 presidency, Modi celebrated the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent G20 member—a significant milestone in fostering inclusivity and development.
As the world faces ongoing uncertainty, exacerbated by the residual impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts, Modi acknowledged the difficulties confronting global development efforts.
The third edition of the Voice of Global South Summit, themed ‘An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future,’ aims to build on previous discussions and address complex global challenges. The summit focuses on finding solutions to crises related to conflicts, food and energy security, and climate change that significantly impact developing nations.