India is hosting the third edition of the Voice of Global South Summit today, reflecting the country’s philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family). The summit, a virtual gathering, extends Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas’ (Together with all, Development for all, Trust for all, and Efforts for all).
The 3rd Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS) is themed “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future”. It serves as a platform for expanding discussions initiated in previous summits, tackling complex challenges disproportionately impacting developing countries. These challenges include conflicts, food and energy security crises, and climate change, all of which have a severe impact on the Global South.
All countries from the Global South have been invited to participate in the summit. Leaders and representatives from these nations will continue their deliberations on pressing issues, identifying priorities and solutions, particularly in the realm of development.
The 3rd VOGSS is structured into Leaders’ Sessions and Ministerial sessions. The inaugural session, hosted by Prime Minister Modi, will take place at the Head of State/Government level and will focus on the summit’s overarching theme.
In addition to the Leaders’ Session, there will be ten Ministerial Sessions covering diverse areas:
* Foreign Ministers’ Session on “Charting a Unique Paradigm for Global South”
* Health Ministers’ Session on “One World-One Health”
* Youth Ministers’ Session on “Youth Engagement for a Better Future”
* Commerce/Trade Ministers’ Session on “Trade for Development- Perspectives from Global South”
* Information & Technology Ministers’ Session on “DPIs for Development- A Global South Approach”
* Finance Ministers’ Session on “People-Centric Approach to Global Finance”
* 2nd Foreign Ministers’ Session on “Global South and Global Governance”
* Energy Ministers’ Session on “Sustainable Energy Solutions for a Sustainable Future”
* Education Ministers’ Session on “Prioritising Human Resource Development: A Global South Perspective”
* Environment Ministers’ Session on “Pathways for Progress- A Global South Perspective on Mitigating Climate Change.”
The previous two editions of the Voice of Global South Summit were held in January and November 2023, both virtually. Each summit saw participation from over 100 countries from the Global South. The insights and feedback from leaders of developing nations during these summits were incorporated into the agenda and discussions of the G-20 Summit under India’s Presidency last year, including the G-20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration.
