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Special Content


Issue no 23, 07 - 13 September 2024

Third Voice of the Global South Summit Outcomes and Roadmaps Advitya Bahl India hosted the third "Voice of the Global South" Summit on August 17, 2024, a significant event that brought together representatives from 123 countries, including 21 heads of state or government, 118 ministers and 34 foreign ministers, along with five Multilateral Development Banks. The summit was held under the theme "An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future," reflecting the collective aspirations of these nations to address the pressing challenges they face on the global stage. The term "Global South" refers to the countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia and Oceania that are often characterised by lower levels of industrialisation, economic development and political influence compared to the countries of the Global North (North America, Europe and parts of East Asia). The summit aimed to amplify the voices of these countries, which frequently find themselves marginalised in global decision-making processes, despite being significantly affected by global issues. One of the primary focuses of the summit was to address the challenges faced by Global South countries, particularly in the context of the ongoing global uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts. These crises have exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, leading to economic instability, strained healthcare systems and social unrest across the Global South. The ineffectiveness of global governance systems in addressing these issues highlights systemic inequities, prompting a growing demand for greater inclusivity and representation within international forums such as the G20. The summit participants identified several critical issues that require urgent and coordinated action. Climate Change During the Global South Summit, participants collectively highlighted climate change as one of the most pressing issues confronting their nations. The discussions underscored the harsh reality that the Global South, while contributing the least to global green-house gas emissions, disproportionately suffers from the devastating effects of climate change. These effects manifest in various ways, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels and shifts in agricultural productivity, all of which threaten livelihoods, food security and the overall stability of vulnerable regions. The summit participants acknowledged that while many Global South countries are on the front lines of climate-related challenges, they often lack the financial and technological resources needed to effectively address these issues. The urgency of the situation was palpable, as leaders called for a more equitable approach to global climate action. This involves not only setting ambitious targets for reducing emissions but also ensuring that the unique needs and vulnerabilities of the Global South are prioritised in international climate negotiations. India was cited as a leading example of a country that is actively working to combat climate change while also advocating for the interests of the Global South. India's ambitious renewable energy initiatives, such as its significant investments in solar and wind power, were highlighted as key steps towards reducing carbon emissions. Moreover, India's leadership in establishing international coalitions, like the International Solar Alliance, demonstrates a commitment to fostering global cooperation on renewable energy. These initiatives not only help mitigate climate change but also provide a model for other developing nations to follow. However, the discussions made it clear that individual efforts by countries like India, while commendable, are not sufficient to tackle the global scale of the climate crisis. The Summit participants emphasised the critical need for more substantial financial and technological support from developed nations. This support is essential to help vulnerable regions adapt to the impacts of climate change and to implement mitigation strategies effectively. There was a strong call for developed countries to honour their commitments to climate finance, particularly in providing the promised $100 billion annually to support climate action in developing countries. The summit's focus on climate change reflected a deep understanding that addressing this global challenge requires coordinated and sustained efforts. The leaders of the Global South reiterated that climate action must be grounded in principles of equity and justice, recognising the historical responsibilities of developed nations and the need for a fair distribution of resources and technologies. By advocating for these principles, the summit participants sought to ensure that the voices and needs of the most affected regions are heard and addressed in the global fight against climate change. Technological and Digital Divide Another significant challenge discussed was the technological and digital divide, which continues to hinder progress in many Global South countries. The discussions underscored that limited access to digital infrastructure and technology severely hampers both economic and social development. This divide manifests in several ways, including inadequate internet connectivity, a lack of digital devices and insufficient digital literacy, which collectively prevent individuals and communities from fully engaging in the benefits of the digital economy. The summit highlighted the stark contrast between regions with advanced digital capabilities and those struggling with basic technological infrastructure. In many Global South countries, the digital divide exacerbates existing inequalities, restricting access to essential services like education, healthcare, financial transactions and employment opportunities. For instance, students in areas with poor internet connectivity face difficulties in participating in online learning, small businesses miss out on e-commerce opportunities and rural communities remain isolated from essential digital services. India's efforts to bridge this divide were presented as exemplary models of how targeted technological initiatives can drive inclusive growth and development. One of the key initiatives highlighted was the Unified Payment Interface (UPI), a digital payment system that has revolutionised financial transactions in India. UPI's success lies in its ability to provide secure, efficient and low-cost financial services to millions of people, including those in underserved and remote areas. This initiative has not only empowered individuals by facilitating easier access to financial services but also spurred economic activity by enabling seamless digital transactions. The discussions at the summit stressed the importance of scaling up such efforts and fostering greater collaboration and investment in digital infrastructure and education across the Global South. There was a strong call for international support to improve digital connectivity, increase access to technology and enhance digital literacy. This includes investing in infrastructure projects to expand internet access, promoting affordable and widespread availability of digital devices and implementing educational programmes to build digital skills among populations. Additionally, the summit emphasised the need for a holistic approach to addressing the digital divide. This involves not only improving physical infrastructure but also ensuring that digital platforms are inclusive and accessible to all segments of society. Building digital literacy and skills is crucial for enabling individuals to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the digital economy. As technology becomes increasingly integral to global development, it is essential that Global South countries are equipped to participate fully in this digital era. The collective resolution from the summit was to prioritise digital inclusion as a critical component of sustainable development. By addressing the technological and digital divide, the Global South can unlock new avenues for economic growth, enhance social development and better integrate into the global digital landscape. The call for increased international collaboration and investment reflects a recognition that bridging this divide is essential for ensuring that all countries can benefit from the advancements of the digital age and contribute to a more equitable global economy. Health Security and Humanitarian Crises Many countries in the Global South grapple with insufficient healthcare systems, making them highly susceptible to health emergencies and natural disasters. The summit highlighted the pressing need to address these vulnerabilities by strengthening health-care infrastructure and enhancing disaster preparedness. India's proactive leadership in health security was notably recognised. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India played a pivotal role by supplying vaccines, medical equipment and essential medicines to other Global South nations. This support not only helped mitigate the impact of the pandemic but also underscored India's commitment to global health resilience. India's continued efforts in providing medical aid and building health system capacities in partner countries were praised as crucial contributions to fostering a more resilient global health landscape. There was consensus among parties that building robust healthcare systems is essential for improving health security across the Global South. This includes investing in healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to medical services and enhancing the capabilities of health workers. Furthermore, improving disaster preparedness was highlighted as a critical strategy for minimising the impact of natural disasters and other emergencies. Effective disaster preparedness involves developing early warning systems, strengthening emergency response mechanisms and ensuring that communities are equipped to handle crises. Overall, the summit called for a comprehensive approach to health security and humanitarian assistance. By bolstering healthcare systems and improving disaster readiness, Global South countries can better withstand health crises and humanitarian challenges, ultimately enhancing their overall resilience and capacity to respond to future emergencies. Capacity Building and Education Capacity building and education were recognised as essential drivers of sustainable development in the Global South during the summit. Participants emphasised the critical role that quality education and skill development play in unlocking economic potential and promoting societal advancement. However, many countries in the Global South face significant challenges in delivering these opportunities due to inadequate educational infrastructure, limited resources and outdated curricula. The summit highlighted several key initiatives aimed at addressing these gaps. For instance, the Global South Young Diplomat Forum was commended for its role in cultivating the next generation of leaders. This forum provides emerging diplomats with valuable training in leadership, inter-national relations and diplomacy, equipping them with the skills needed to navigate global challenges and represent their countries effectively on the international stage. Similarly, the 'Dakshin' Centre for Excellence was recognised for its impact on enhancing technical and vocational education. This initiative focuses on offering specialised training aligned with local economic needs, covering areas such as digital skills, entrepreneurship and technical trades. By bridging the gap between education and employment, the center helps prepare individuals for the work-force, addressing skill shortages and fostering economic resi-lience. Both initiatives were praised for their efforts to build human capital, which is vital for the long-term growth and development of Global South nations. Strengthening educational systems and expanding access to skill development programmes not only empower individuals but also contribute to broader economic and social progress. By focusing on inclusive and practical education solutions, these programmes are helping to create a more skilled and adaptable workforce, essential for tackling the complex challenges facing the Global South. Unified Voice and Enhanced Global Representation Strengthening Collective Influence: Participants emphasised that close collaboration among nations of the Global South is crucial for amplifying their influence on global issues such as climate change, trade and security. This collective approach is seen as essential for ensuring that the unique challenges and perspectives of Global South countries are effectively communicated and addressed in global negotiations. India's role in championing this unity was prominently acknowledged. As a leading member of the Global South, India has been pivotal in advocating for stronger representation of these nations on the global stage. India's efforts in promoting collaborative initiatives and supporting collective bargaining are critical for achieving a more balanced and inclusive global governance system. This leadership is expected to help ensure that the voices of the Global South are not only heard but also have a significant impact on shaping international policies and decisions. Box- PM Modi Proposes "Global Development Compact" During the Third Voice of the Global South Summit, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi proposed a groundbreaking initiative known as the 'Global Development Compact'. This ambitious proposal is designed to address the developmental needs of the Global South by promoting trade, facilitating technology sharing and providing concessional financing without imposing additional debt on developing nations. The 'Global Development Compact' will be grounded in the principles of human-centric and multi-dimensional development. Drawing on India's own development journey, the compact aims to leverage India's experiences to support sustainable and inclusive growth in partner countries. It will focus on practical solutions to advance economic and social progress, ensuring that development initiatives are tailored to the specific needs and priorities of the Global South. Trade for Development: The compact emphasises the importance of trade as a vehicle for development. PM Modi announced a $2.5 million fund dedicated to boosting trade promotion activities. This fund will support initiatives aimed at enhancing trade capabilities and creating new opportunities for economic growth. Capacity Building: Recognising the need for robust institutional frameworks, the compact includes a $1 million fund for training in trade policy. This investment is intended to build the skills and knowledge necessary for effective trade negotiations and policy formulation, thereby empowering developing nations to participate more fully in the global economy. Technology Exchange: The initiative highlights the significance of technology-sharing. By facilitating the transfer of technology, the compact aims to bridge the technological gap between developing and developed nations, fostering innovation and improving access to advanced tools and solutions. The 'Global Development Compact' also reflects India's commitment to helping the Global South tackle pressing challenges such as food and energy, security and terrorism. By supporting these areas, the compact aims to build resilience and promote stability in the partner countries. (The author is a senior correspondent of Delhi-based English daily. Feedback on this article can be sent to feedback.employmentnews@ gmail.com) Views expressed are personal.