PM Modi Opens “Voice of the Global South Summit” with Call to Amplify the Voices of Developing Nations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the two-day special virtual summit titled “Voice of the Global South Summit” on January 12, 2023, with the participation of over 120 developing nations.
As an opening remark, he said, “We have turned the page on another difficult year that saw war, conflict, terrorism, geo-political tensions, rising food and fertiliser prices, climate change-driven natural disasters, and the lasting economic impact of the COVID impact. It is clear the world is in a state of crisis. It is difficult to predict how long this state of instability will last.”
Stressing the role of the global south, he said that the global south has the largest stakes in the future as three-quarters of humanity lives in the countries of the global south. Therefore, countries in the global south should try to shape the emerging order.
Further, he stressed how, though most of the global challenges have not been created by the Global South, they still affect them more. He supported this argument by giving examples of the COVID pandemic, climate change, terrorism, and even the Ukraine conflict.
In addition to this, he said, “India has always shared this development experience with our brothers in the Global South. Our development partnerships cover all geographies and diverse sectors. We supplied medicines and vaccines to over 100 countries during the pandemic. India has always taken up stance for a greater role for developing countries in determining our common future.“
In addition, Prime Minister Modi stated that India’s goal in hosting the G20 in 2023 is to amplify the voice of the global south. He also emphasised the theme and said, “For our G20 Presidency, we have chosen the theme of “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” which is in line with our civilizational ethos. He added, “People of the global South should no longer be deprived of the fruits of development. Together we must attempt global financial and political governance. This can remove inequalities, enlarge opportunities, support growth and spread progress and prosperity. To re-energize the world, we should together address a call for global agenda of response, recognised, respect and reform“.
Speaking of the common challenges, the Indian Prime Minister said, “In the last century, we supported each other in our fight against foreign rule, we can do it again in this century to create a new world order that will ensure the welfare of our citizens concerned.”
He concluded his address by saying, “To re-energise, we should, together, call for a global agenda of response: recognise, respect, and respond.” In addition, he stressed the urgent need to identify simple, scalable, and sustainable solutions that can transform our society and economy.
