Voice of Global South Summit

Recently, the Prime Minister inaugurated the second Voice of Global South Summit. 

What is the Voice of Global South Summit (VoGS)?

• The VoGS Summit is an Indian initiative that has been designed to provide a common platform for the countries of the Global South to share their perspectives and priorities on several major issues.
• It aims to find out solutions for common challenges faced by developing countries through talks.
• Inspired by PM’s vision, ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas’, the summit follows India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

How did the summit start?

• The foundation of this unique initiative was laid considering the recent global developments that have severely impacted the developing world.
• These include events such as COVID pandemic, mounting debt, on-going Ukraine conflict, and challenges of food, energy security and others.
• Often, the worries of developing countries do not gain adequate attention and space on the global stage.
• The relevant existing platforms have proven to be deficient in handling the challenges and concerns of the developing nations.

About Global South:

• Global Southrefers to countries in Asia, Africa, and South America, while Global North includes countries like the US, Canada, Europe, Russia, Australia, and New Zealand.
• It’s a term used to categorize countries based on economic development and historical factors.

Features of Global South:

• Mostly lower-income countries, often with colonial histories.
• Not strictly limited to the Southern Hemisphere; many are in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Used as a value-free alternative to “Third World.”
• Major countries like Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico are part of the Global South.

Need for Classification:

• Helps describe economic and geopolitical differences.
• Overcomes the limitations of East/West or First/Second/Third World classifications.
• Recognizes the shared history of colonization.
• Acknowledges the emergence of economically powerful South countries.

Indian Context:

• India aims to represent the underrepresented Global South in international forums.
• Calls for reform in multilateral institutions like the UNSC, UN, and IMF.
• Emergent economies like India and China seek cooperation with other Global South countries.
• Challenges the dominance of the Global North in international affairs.

Criticism of Classification:

• Some find the term too broad and vague.
• Questions about whether elites of the Global South aim to challenge global capitalist structures.
• Concerns about the neglect of Africa in the rise of Asia.

Significance of Global South:

• India aims to unite Global South nations to address common concerns.
• Potential for technical and idea exchanges and cooperation in various areas.
• Highlighting shared concerns like energy security and sustainable development.

Challenges for Consolidation:

• Debate over climate reparations and exclusion of India and China.
• Impact of the Russia-Ukraine War on Least Developed Countries.
• China’s increasing influence in the Global South through initiatives like the Belt and Road.

Way Forward:

• India needs active engagement in regional politics within the Global South.
• Recognize differentiation within the Global South in terms of wealth, needs, and capabilities.