Voice of Global South Summit

Published: 24th Nov, 2023

Context:

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:

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.

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