Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his opening remarks, highlighted the critical juncture at which the summit is taking place. “We are meeting at a time when the world is living in uncertainty,” he said, pointing to the ongoing war-like situations, climate change, and the global food and energy security crises. He underscored that terrorism, extremism, and separatism pose significant threats to societies, adding that the existing global governance structures have proven inadequate in addressing the challenges of the 21st century.
“We are meeting at a time when the world is living in uncertaintyâæ War-like situations have raised challenges in our developmental journey. We are already facing the challenges of climate change, but we are also worried about health, food, and energy security. Terrorism, extremism, and separatism pose a serious threat to our society. Technology divide and economic and social challenges related to technology are also coming forward. Global Governance and Financial Institutions built in the last decade have proven to be incapable of fighting the challenges faced in this century,” he said.
The summit’s overarching theme, “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future,” reflects India’s vision of a unified and proactive Global South. Modi emphasised the importance of unity among these nations, stating, “It is the need of the hour that nations of Global South unite and stand together in one voice and be each other’s strength.”
The event also highlighted India’s efforts to integrate the priorities of the Global South into the global agenda, a commitment that was evident during its G20 presidency. One of the most notable achievements under India’s leadership was the historic inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20, a move that Modi described as a major step toward making global governance more inclusive and development-oriented.
The 3rd Voice of Global South Summit builds on discussions from previous editions held in January and November 2023. These summits have provided a platform for over 100 countries to share their perspectives and contribute to shaping global discussions, particularly within the G20 framework.
The summit featured both Leaders’ Sessions and Ministerial Sessions, focusing on a range of topics critical to the Global South. These included sustainable energy solutions, human resource development, trade for development, and strategies for mitigating climate change. The event was designed to further the dialogue on how developing nations can collaborate to address the complex challenges they face, particularly in the wake of global economic and social uncertainties.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has positioned the Voice of Global South Summit as a key initiative in promoting the collective interests of developing countries. The inputs gathered from these summits have been instrumental in shaping international discourse, particularly in forums such as the G20, where India’s presidency has sought to reflect the aspirations and concerns of the Global South.
As the summit concluded, it reaffirmed India’s role as a leading voice for the Global South, committed to fostering cooperation and inclusive development among nations facing common challenges.
