Global South: It always existed but getting a voice now, says PM Modi
Virendra Pandit
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Global South always existed geographically but is now getting a voice for the first time across the planet because of joint efforts.
Addressing the inaugural session of the Second Voice Of Global South Summit (VOGSS), held virtually, he said: “We are more than 100 countries but our priorities are similar.”
“Last year, during the G-20 Summit, our attempt was to focus on the development of the people, by the people and for the people…,” PM Modi said.
He highlighted that the topic of the Global South was also included in the G-20’s New Delhi Declaration, and got consent from the global leaders at the G-20 Leaders’ Summit here in the Indian capital in September 2023.
“…In January this year, India organized the Voice of the Global South Summit for the first time. In more than two hundred G20 meetings held in different states of India, we gave prominence to the priorities of the Global South,”, he said in opening remarks.
“I cannot forget that historic moment when, because of India’s efforts, the African Union got permanent membership in the G-20…” PM Modi added.
As India is set to organize the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit next month, the Prime Minister also spoke at length on AI and said that India believes that new technology should not widen the gap between the Global North and the Global South.
“During the times of Artificial Intelligence, it is important that technology should be used responsibly. To further promote this, next month, India will organize the GPAI…”
The GPAI 2023 Summit will be held from December 12 to 14 in New Delhi to focus on various critical aspects of this technology, including responsible AI, data governance, the future of work, innovation, and commercialization.
The Second VOGSS would focus on sharing with countries of the Global South the key outcomes achieved in various G-20 meetings during India’s Presidency. The challenges posed by global developments are also likely to be discussed.
The Summit will serve as a platform to discuss ways to sustain the momentum generated toward common aspirations of a more inclusive, representative, and progressive world order.
It will be structured into 10 sessions. The inaugural and concluding sessions would be at the Head of State / Government level, and hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The theme of the inaugural leaders’ session is “Together, for Everyone’s Growth, with Everyone’s Trust” and that of the concluding leaders’ session is “Global South: Together for One Future”, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
In January 2023, India held the first-ever virtual VOGSS, for two days. Altogether 125 nations from the Global South came together for this special endeavour to discuss their goals and points of view on one platform.