Perspective : The Voice of Global South | 14 January, 2023

Summary

The Voice of Global South Summit, convened by India, aimed to re-energize a human-centric globalization, emphasizing developing countries' role in shaping the future. Prime Minister Modi advocated for a more equitable approach, particularly highlighting the unequal distribution of vaccines and global supply chain issues. The virtual summit involved 125 countries, discussing cooperation and India's role in sharing its expertise. Experts in the discussion underscored India's rising influence and the significance of its G20 presidency in advancing a more inclusive and equitable global order.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The Voice of Global South Summit, convened by India, emphasized the need for a human-centric globalization that benefits all of humanity, not just a select few.
• 📢 Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's commitment to giving developing countries a greater role in shaping the global future during the two-day summit.
• 🔄 The summit addressed the issue of unequal distribution of resources, such as vaccines, and the over-concentration in global supply chains, advocating for reform.
• 🌍 Participation in the virtual summit was broad, with 125 countries representing various regions, including Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.
• 🤝 India used the summit as an opportunity to announce initiatives aimed at increasing cooperation with the global South, sharing its experiences and expertise for mutual well-being.
• 🏛 The panel of experts discussed the significance of the summit for India's G20 presidency and the potential for India to influence a more equitable global order.
• 🔑 Mr. Virendra Gupta, a former ambassador, emphasized India's historical role with the global South and its current capacity to make a difference as an emerging power.
• 🌟 The summit underscored India's commitment to inclusivity, development, prosperity, and equity as key pillars of its international engagement.
• 🛡️ India's response to global challenges, such as the pandemic, by supplying vaccines to needy countries, has bolstered its credibility on the world stage.
• 🌱 The discussion touched on India's potential role as a bridge between the global North and South, especially in fostering cooperation and addressing development disparities.
• 🔄 The summit also focused on the need for reforms in multilateral institutions to better reflect current global realities and the interests of the global South.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the Voice of Global South Summit convened by India?

The primary focus of the Voice of Global South Summit is to emphasize human-centric globalization and to advocate for a greater role for developing countries in shaping our common future.

What type of globalization does Prime Minister Narendra Modi envision for the world?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions a globalization that brings prosperity and well-being to humanity as a whole, rather than one that leads to unequal distribution of resources like vaccines or over-concentrated global supply chains.

How many countries participated in the Voice of Global South Summit, and what regions were they from?

125 countries participated in the virtual summit, including 29 from Latin America and the Caribbean, 47 from Africa, 7 from Europe, 31 from Asia, and 11 from Oceania.

What role does India aim to play in the global South's representation and development?

India aims to provide a platform for countries of the global South to represent their concerns, ideas, and suggestions, and to share its experiences and expertise for the well-being of people in these regions.

What is the significance of the Voice of Global South Summit for India's G20 presidency?

The summit is significant for India's G20 presidency as it reflects India's deep commitment to inclusivity, development, prosperity, and equity, and it positions India as an inclusive force in the emerging multi-polar world.

How does the summit's outcome support the idea of a more equitable global order?

The summit's outcome supports the idea of a more equitable global order by advocating for reforms in multilateral institutions, promoting state-led and people-to-people collaborations, and emphasizing the need for shared interests and collective determination in international politics.

What are some of the key initiatives that India has proposed during the summit to increase cooperation with the global South?

Some key initiatives proposed by India include the establishment of a Global South Center of Excellence and sharing India's best practices in technology, public health, education, and other areas to empower developing countries.

How does the summit address the issue of unequal distribution of vaccines during the pandemic?

The summit addresses the issue by acknowledging the role of India in supplying vaccines to needy countries, thus highlighting the importance of equitable access to vaccines and the need for global cooperation in public health crises.

What is the role of India in bridging the gap between the global North and the global South?

India's role in bridging the gap is to serve as a voice for the global South, to share its technological and developmental advancements, and to promote a more equitable level of cooperation between the North and the South.

What challenges does India face in its efforts to reform multilateral institutions and promote a new world order?

Challenges include managing its relationships with powerful countries, addressing security and economic issues, and navigating geopolitical rivalries and regional politics while advocating for the interests of the global South.

How does the summit contribute to India's diplomatic outreach and its position on the global stage?

The summit contributes by showcasing India's assertive diplomacy, its capacity for technological and developmental leadership, and its commitment to shared prosperity and equitable globalization, thereby enhancing its credibility and influence on the global stage.