2nd “Voice of Global South Summit”

2nd “Voice of Global South Summit”

Important for Prelims:

Voice of the Global South Summit, G20 Summit, G-77, Brandt Line, United Nations, IMF, World Bank, SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC

Important for Main Exam:

Resurgence of Global South, Recent scenario of Global South, Challenges for India related to Global South.

Nov. 27, 2023

Why in news:

Recently, the 2nd 'Voice of the Global South Summit' (VOGSS), organized virtually under the leadership of India, concluded.

2nd “Voice of Global South Summit”:

Key points:

  • The first session of this summit was organized in January 2023.
  • The summit expresses India's commitment to promote solidarity among nations and strengthen its leadership in the global south.

Subject matter:

  • The theme of the inaugural session of the summit focused on 'Together, for Development for All, with Confidence for All', while the concluding session focused on 'Global South: Together for One Future'.

Objective:

  • To disseminate the outcomes of the G20 summit hosted by India.
  • To ensure sustained momentum for effective implementation of G20 decisions with special attention to the interests of developing countries.

Key findings of this summit:

Global South Center of Excellence 'Dakshin' Initiative:

  • The Indian Prime Minister inaugurated this initiative, which aims to promote cooperation among developing countries by acting as a knowledge repository and think tank.

Main topics of discussion:

  • Ministerial sessions during the summit discussed wide-ranging topics on the following: Sustainable Development Goals, energy transition, climate finance, digital transformation, women-led development, counter-terrorism and global institution reform.
  • Israel-Hamas conflict: India expressed deep concern over the plight of civilians affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict.
  • He stressed the urgent need for all concerned to exercise restraint, prioritize the safety of innocent civilians and work towards de-escalation.
  • 5 'C' for Global South: India called for 5 'C' for Global South: Consultation, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity and Capacity Building.

Global South:

About this:

  • Global South is not a geographical concept, but a terminology to express the situation of some countries based on geopolitical, historical and developmental aspects.
  • The term usually refers to countries belonging to the Group of 77 in the United Nations, an alliance of currently 134 countries.
  • Many countries of the Global South are included in the Northern Hemisphere, such as India, China, and countries in the northern part of Africa. Whereas, Australia and New Zealand, both in the Southern Hemisphere, are not in the Global South.
  • ​Brandt Line: This line was drawn in the 1980s by former German Chancellor Willy Brandt to delineate the position of countries in the northern and southern hemispheres based on per capita GDP.
  • The term Global South was first used by political activist Carl Oglesby in 1969.

 

 

Recent Scenario of the Global South:

Economic condition:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected countries in the Global South during lockdowns, increasing economic inequality.
  • The recalibration of global supply chains in the context of post-pandemic geopolitical conflicts such as the Russia–Ukraine war led to discussions on resourcing product lines, leading some global industries to restart and expand their portfolios. Got the opportunity.

Geopolitical Situation:

  • The G20, largely from the Global South, gained priority on international platforms, leading to a shift in power diversity and encouraging greater consideration of their perspectives and interests.

Environment and Climate Impact:

  • The Global South is affected by climate change in the form of nuclear power plants, leading to ongoing discussions about climate change, climate change and the needs of global climate change.

Global Energy and Sustainable Development:

  • Global focus focused on and supported by the Sustainable Development Goals, overall energy investment and environmental protection in the Global South.

Conclusion:

  • At present, India, under the leadership of developing countries, is playing an active role in leading the Global South.
  • India needs to accept the fact that the Global South is not a coherent group nor does it have a common agenda. There is a huge gap in the Global South today in terms of wealth, power, and capabilities.

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Mains Exam Question

Discuss the relations between India and the Global South in the light of the Voices of the Global South Summit.