TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
THE CONTEXT: India is set to host the third edition of the Global South Summit on August 17, 2024, marking a significant event in the country’s diplomatic calendar.
EXPLANATION:
- This virtual summit, chaired by Prime Minister, will bring together leaders and ministers from various Global South countries to discuss pressing global issues and foster deeper international cooperation.
- The summit will be the first under PM’s third term, indicating India’s ongoing commitment to championing the voices and concerns of the Global South on the world stage.
Background and Evolution of the Global South Summit
- The Global South Summit, officially known as the ‘Summit of the Global South’, was first launched in January 2023 during India’s G20 presidency.
- This initiative was designed to provide a unified platform for countries from the Global South—comprising developing nations across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific—to articulate their perspectives, challenges, and priorities.
- The inaugural summit carried the theme ‘Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose’, reflecting the collective desire of these nations to strengthen their influence in global governance.
- Following the success of the first summit, India hosted the second edition in November 2023, shortly after the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi.
- The theme for this summit was ‘Together, for Everyone’s Growth, with Everyone’s Trust’, which emphasized the importance of inclusive growth and mutual cooperation among Global South nations.
- The summits have consistently seen participation from over 120 countries, underscoring their significance in the international arena.
Key Themes and Focus Areas
- The Global South Summit serves as a critical forum for discussing a wide range of issues that affect developing nations.
- Key topics of discussion include:
- Climate Change: Addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing countries and exploring collaborative solutions for sustainable development.
- Sustainable Development: Promoting economic growth that is inclusive and environmentally sustainable, with a focus on meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Global Governance: Advocating for a more equitable global governance structure that gives greater voice and representation to developing nations.
- International Cooperation: Strengthening diplomatic ties and cooperation among Global South countries to tackle shared challenges, such as health crises, economic instability, and food security.
Ministerial-Level Engagements and Key Announcements
- The Global South Summit is characterized by high-level ministerial engagements, including sessions with foreign ministers, education ministers, finance ministers, environment ministers, energy ministers, health ministers, and commerce/trade ministers.
- These sessions have led to several important initiatives and announcements from the Indian government:
- Global South Center of Excellence (Dakshin): PM Modi inaugurated this center, which acts as an interface to foster stronger collaboration and knowledge-sharing among Global South countries.
- Global South Science and Technology Initiative: A platform aimed at enhancing scientific and technological cooperation, driving innovation, and addressing common developmental challenges.
- Global South Scholarship Program: A scholarship initiative to support students from Global South countries, promoting educational exchange and capacity-building.
- Cooperation in the Health Sector: Initiatives to improve healthcare infrastructure and access to medical resources across developing nations, especially in the wake of global health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Global South Young Diplomats Forum: An initiative to engage and empower young diplomats from developing countries, encouraging the next generation of leaders to advocate for the interests of the Global South.
Geopolitical Context and Challenges
- The summits have also provided a platform to address the geopolitical challenges facing the Global South, particularly in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
- These conflicts have had far-reaching impacts, including soaring prices of fuel, food, and fertilisers, which disproportionately affect developing nations.
- Discussions at the summits have focused on mitigating these impacts and exploring avenues for collective action and resilience-building among Global South countries.
India’s Role and Vision for the Global South
- By hosting the Global South Summit, India reaffirms its role as a key advocate for developing nations.
- The summit aligns with India’s broader diplomatic vision of fostering a multipolar world where the voices of the Global South are heard and respected.
- India’s leadership in these summits reflects its commitment to promoting equitable development, sustainable growth, and a more balanced global order.
