23-November-2023-Special-Article

2ND VOICE OF GLOBAL SOUTH SUMMIT

India recently concluded its second ‘Voice of the Global South Summit’ (VOGSS), underscoring its commitment to fostering solidarity among nations and consolidating leadership in the Global South. Held virtually, this summit follows the inaugural session in January 2023, serving as a platform for dialogue and collaboration.

Key Highlights of Second VOGSS:

Themes:

Inaugural session: ‘Together, for Everyone’s Growth, with Everyone’s Trust.’

Concluding session: ‘Global South: Together for One Future.’

Objectives:

• Disseminate G20 summit outcomes hosted by India.
• Ensure sustained momentum for effective G20 decision implementation, focusing on developing countries’ interests.

Key Outcomes:

• Inauguration of Global South Center of Excellence ‘DAKSHIN.’
• Thematic discussions on diverse topics, including Sustainable Development Goals, energy transition, climate finance, digital transformation, and counter-terrorism.
• India’s call for restraint amid Israel-Hamas conflict.
• Emphasis on 5 ‘Cs’ for the Global South: consultation, cooperation, communication, creativity, and capacity building.

Understanding Global South:

• Represents diverse nations facing developmental challenges.
• Not solely defined by geography; includes countries like India and China.
• Historical context: Brandt Line symbolizing the north-south economic divide.

Historical Context:

• Brandt Line: Visual representation of the global economic divide proposed by Willy Brandt.
• G-77: Formed in 1964, the Group of 77 became a significant intergovernmental organization for developing countries.

Resurgence of Global South:

• Economic imbalances exposed by Covid-19 amplified existing disparities.
• Shifts in trade and supply chains post-pandemic opened opportunities for restructuring Global South economies.
• Geopolitical realities altered power dynamics, giving voice to the Global South.
• Increased focus on environmental impact and climate resilience.

Evidence of Escalating Influence of the Global South:

Establishment of ‘Loss and Damage Fund’:

• Highlighted disproportionate burden faced by the Global South during COP27 in Egypt.

Inclusive Dialogues:

• Japan’s G7 summit efforts to include countries like India and Brazil.
• Expansion of BRICS to 11 members for increased Global South engagement.
• G-77 summit in Cuba addressing critical issues.
• Inclusion of the African Union in the G20 recognizing African nations’ global significance.

Challenges for India as Voice of the Global South:

Divergent Interests:

• Harmonizing varied political ideologies, economic structures, and geopolitical ambitions within the Global South.
• Unifying stances on global issues like trade, climate change, and security.

Power Asymmetry:

• Balancing power dynamics among emerging powers and least developed countries.
• Ensuring equitable representation and avoiding overshadowing of concerns of smaller nations.

Negotiating with Global Powers:

• Navigating relationships with established powers like the US and the EU.
• Advocating for Global South interests in global decision-making processes.

Resource Constraints:

• Balancing India’s developmental needs with its role as a Global South representative.
• Managing limited resources and competing domestic priorities.

Way Forward:

Strengthen Regional Alliances:

• Forge stronger alliances within regional blocs (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC) for collective problem-solving.
• Foster economic cooperation and enhance regional stability.

Facilitate South-South Cooperation:

• Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among Global South nations.
• Leverage strengths in technology, healthcare, education, and sustainable development.

Advocate for Equity in Global Governance:

• Push for reforms in global governance structures (UN, IMF, World Bank).
• Ensure fair representation and decision-making power for the Global South.

Address Climate Change and Sustainability:

• Lead by example in adopting sustainable practices.
• Invest in renewable energy and advocate for global efforts to combat climate change.
• Consider developmental needs of Global South nations.