As we step into the new year, we cannot but be acutely aware of the multiple challenges faced by us, especially in developing countries, due to geopolitical developments across the globe.
The past year has seen serious crises erupting on food, fuel and fertiliser front, which mesh into the ones brought about by the pandemic and climate change, to name a few. When it comes to global governance, it has become more important than ever that the voice of developing countries is fully factored into global decision-making and working out the way forward.
In a new and unique initiative, India will host a special virtual summit on 12-13 January 2023. This Voice of Global South Summit under the theme: ‘Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose’ envisages bringing together countries of the Global South to share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform. More than 120 countries are invited to participate in this summit.
The initiative is inspired by Prime Minister Modi’s vision of collective effort, trust and inclusive growth. It is underpinned by India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).
India will work to ensure that the valuable inputs generated from partner countries in the Voice of Global South Summit deliberations receive due cognizance globally.
India’s ongoing presidency of the G20 provides a special and strong opportunity for those countries that are not part of the G20 process to share their ideas and expectations from the G20. This is in line with the prime minister’s statement that India’s G20 presidency will be shaped in consultation with not just our G20 partners, but also our fellow travellers in the Global South, whose voice often goes unheard.
The inaugural and concluding sessions, at head of state/government level and hosted by the prime minister, would be on the themes of ‘Voice of Global South - for Human-Centric Development’ and ‘Unity of Voice-Unity of Purpose’ respectively.
In addition, there would be eight ministerial sessions on the themes of financing people-centric development; balancing growth with environment friendly lifestyles (LiFE); priorities of the global south - ensuring a conducive environment; energy security and development- roadmap to prosperity; cooperation to build resilient healthcare systems; human resource development and capacity building; developing synergies in the global south - trade, technology, tourism and resources; and a session on suggestions for India’s G20 presidency.
Namibia, India and other like-minded countries have stood together in putting forward the development narrative forcefully, and the Summit will be an important platform for us to help shape our common future together.
* Prashant Agrawal is High Commissioner of India in Namibia.