In a time of global turmoil, let us shape the new order, Prime Minister Modi tells the Global South.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi told leaders of developing nations on Thursday that “your voice is India’s voice” and “your priorities are India’s objectives” while highlighting that “the globe is in a condition of crisis.”
The Prime Minister, speaking to leaders at the Voice of Global South Summit, outlined the obstacles: “We have turned the page on another difficult year marked by war, conflict, terrorism, and geopolitical tensions; rising food, fertiliser, and fuel prices; climate change-driven natural disasters; and the lasting economic impact of the Covid pandemic.”
“It is evident that the planet is in trouble. “It is difficult to estimate how long this condition of instability would persist,” he remarked during the first session of the India-organized two-day virtual summit.
The Global South is comprised of developing and less developed nations, and India invited more than 120 nations to the summit.
The purpose of the summit is for India to ensure that the contributions made by partner nations during the Voice of the Global South Summit discussions will be advanced at the G20 summit that India will host later this year. Officials have stated that India’s current G20 Presidency presents a unique and powerful opportunity for countries whose voices are seldom heard.
The Prime Minister, advocating for the Global South to play a role in defining the world order, stated, “We, the Global South, have the most at stake in the future. Three-quarters of humanity resides in our nations. Also, we should have an equal voice. Therefore, while the eight-decade-old model of global governance alters gradually, we must attempt to mould the new order.”
The leaders’ session was attended by the heads of Bangladesh, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Guyana, Mozambique, Mongolia, and Senegal, among others.
Modi stated that the majority of global difficulties were not produced by the Global South, but that they affect us more. This has been demonstrated by the effects of the Covid epidemic, climate change, terrorism, and the Ukraine crisis. Neither our participation nor our voice are considered in the quest for solutions.
In this context, he stated, “Respond, acknowledge, respect, and reform.”
“To revitalise the globe, we must jointly advocate for a worldwide agenda of ‘Respond, Recognize, Respect, and Reform,'” he stated.
According to the Prime Minister, the agenda should include the following items:
* Respond to the priorities of the Global South through the formulation of an inclusive and balanced international agenda.
* Acknowledge that the ‘Common but Differentiated Responsibilities’ idea applies to all global concerns.
* Respect the sovereignty of all nations, the rule of law, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts; and
* Reform international institutions, especially the United Nations, in order to increase their relevance.
He stated that India has always shared its development expertise with “our global South brothers.”
“Our development collaborations span all regions and industries.” During the epidemic, we sent medications and vaccinations to over 100 countries. India has always advocated for developing nations to play a larger role in defining our shared future.
“It goes without saying that our objective is to amplify the Voice of the Global South. We have selected ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ as the theme for our G20 Presidency. This is consistent with our civilization’s values. We think that human-centred development is the key to realising “oneness.” Peoples of the global South should no longer be excluded from development’s benefits. We must collaborate to reimagine global political and financial governance. This can eliminate disparities, expand possibilities, promote growth, and spread prosperity.”
Despite the difficulties faced by the developing countries, he stated, “I remain optimistic that our time will come.” Simple, scalable, and sustainable solutions that can revolutionise our societies and economies are urgently required. With such an approach, we will tackle the most challenging obstacles, including poverty, universal healthcare, and the development of human potential. During the previous century, we fought together against foreign rule. We can do it again in this century to establish a new international order that protects the wellbeing of our folks.”
“As it pertains to India, your voice is India’s voice. Your priorities align with India’s, he stated.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Foreign Ministers meeting, outlining key takeaways. “We must address head-on the difficulty of overcoming economic obstacles, particularly debt and recovery. Securing energy, food, and fertilisers must be the first priority… “We must address the developing effects of the Covid pandemic and the damage inflicted by war, terrorism, and bloodshed,” he stated.
