The Voice of the Global South Summit was held virtually on 17th August 2024, leading to its third year of bringing the Global South nations to engage on a global platform. Hosted by India, it welcomed participants from 123 different countries and 173 representatives to exchange insights and ideas. However, India’s neighbouring countries, Pakistan and China were absent during the same.[i] The summit’s theme, “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future,” sought to address the problems that the Global South nations face in terms of sustainability, and climate change. Thus, this provided a platform for these countries to discuss and collaborate on innovative solutions to address pressing issues.
During the Inaugural Leaders’ Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi covered a variety of subjects, including the still prevalent effects of COVID-19, armed conflicts, climate change, and food and energy insecurity.[ii] The summit incorporated two Ministerial sessions, including two Foreign Ministers’ Sessions and one session each, hosted by the Health, Finance, Energy, Education, Commerce, IT, Youth, Education and Environment Ministries.[iii] Representatives from countries expressed their concerns regarding the world’s current issues. These included the global impact of the Russia-Ukraine War and food insecurity due to the same, energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources, trans border threats, terrorism, youth engagement and the significance of global governance, inclusive international engagement in global finance, etc.[iv] Highlighting the importance of strengthening economic cooperation and development, in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN) by 2030,[v] and deal with these global challenges together.
One of the summit’s key outcomes was the agreement on a set of actionable steps to combat climate change and promote sustainable development. These steps included promoting renewable energy, supporting sustainable agricultural practices, and implementing conservation measures. The summit also emphasized the importance of technology transfer and capacity building[vi] through heavily engaging in South-South as well as North-South cooperation to help developing countries harness their resources and achieve SDGs.[vii] Implementing strategies for renewable energy for developing countries could pose several challenges- inadequate infrastructure, limited financial resources, a lack of technical expertise, etc. Overcoming these requires significant mutual support and cooperation in order to ensure a smooth transition to renewable energy sources. One approach to enhancing technical expertise in developing countries is to establish specialized training programs and workshops that focus on renewable energy technologies. Additionally, partnerships with universities and research institutions can help build local capacity by providing advanced education and hands-on experience. Encouraging the exchange of knowledge and expertise through international fellowships and mentorship programs can also foster a skilled workforce capable of driving sustainable development initiatives. Another approach includes a credible emphasis on revising UN sanctions for climate change and restoring the importance of the SDGs by increasing multilateral engagement with first-world states to gain more global influence.
The summit brought together countries from the Global South, collectively pondering and agreeing to engage in solving possible challenges in the years to come. In addition, climate change and the prevailing Russia-Ukraine war, as mentioned above, as well as the Israel-Hamas conflict, pose a looming threat to the future development of Global South countries. In order for these nations to attain their national goals and common interests in a secure manner, it is necessary that this summit showcases India’s commitment to hosting inclusive and engaging events among nations. Portraying the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in overcoming obstacles and resolving conflicts. It also demonstrated India’s growing influence in the region and its commitment to global peace and security, as a leader of the Global South.
Blog by: Rehet Bains, Research Intern, CS3
ENDNOTES
[i] Drishti IAS. “3rd Voice of Global South Summit 2024 (VOGSS).” Drishti IAS, August 21, 2024. https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/3rd-voice-of-global-south-summit-2024-vogss#:~:text=India%20hosted%20the%203rd,and%20Pakistan%20were%20not%20invited.
[ii] Chair’s summary: 3rd Voice of Global South Summit (August 17, 2024), n.d. https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl%2F38186%2FChairs+Summary+3rd+Voice+of+Global+South+Summit+August+17+2024=.
[iii] The 3rd Voice of Global South Summit 2024, n.d. https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl%2F38161%2FThe_3rd_Voice_of_Global_South_Summit_2024=.
[iv] Ibid
[v] Ibid
[vi] Ibid
[vii] “South-South Cooperation Is Essential to Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.” United Nations, September 11, 2023. https://www.un.org/en/un-chronicle/south-south-cooperation-is-essential-achieving-sustainable-development-goals#:~:text=Finally%2C%20education%20and%20skills%20development,groundwork%20for%20sustainable%20economic%20progress.