The world is facing a lasting crisis and there is no clarity about how long this “state of instability” will last, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.
Inaugurating the Voice of the Global South Summit, a virtual event, Mr. Modi said, the Global South does not have adequate voice in the “eight decades old model of global governance” and that it should shape the “emerging order”.
In his concluding remarks to the first session, Mr Modi said, the countries of the Global South will drive the world economy in the 21st century.
“Most of the global challenges have not been created by the Global South. But they affect us more. We have seen this in the impact of COVID pandemic, climate change, terrorism and even the Ukraine conflict. The search for solutions also does not factor in our role or our voice,” said Prime Minister Modi addressing the the virtual summit that saw participation of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, Cambodian PM Hun Sen, and leaders of a number of countries including Vietnam.
The goal of India in 2023 is to represent the Global South saying, “..your voice is India’s voice. Your priorities are India’s priorities”, Mr. Modi said.
“Our development partnership covers all geographies and diverse sectors. We supplied medicines and vaccines to over hundred countries during the pandemic. India has always stood for a greater role for developing countries in determining our common future. As India begins its G-20 Presidency this year, it is natural, our aim is to amplify the voice of the Global South,” said Mr. Modi.
The countries of the Global South should unite and change the unequal “global political and financial governance” structures, said Mr. Modi. Stressing the formula of “Respond, Recognise, Respect and Reform” for the Global South, Mr. Modi said the world should respond to the priorities of the Global South, recognise the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities for global challenges, respect sovereignty of all nations, rule of law and reform international institutions like the United Nations.
“In the last century, we supported each other in our fight against foreign rule. We can do it again in this century, to create a new World Order that will ensure the welfare of our citizens,” said Mr. Modi.
Mr Modi further urged the countries of the Global South to unite and get rid of the “cycle of dependency on systems and circumstances” that was not created by the developing and the least developed countries of the world.
The virtual summit will take place during January 12-13. Officials of the Ministry of External Affairs said last week that around 120 invites were sent across the world for participation in the virtual summit but the Ministry did not share a list of confirmed speakers till January 12 morning.
