- The 3rd Voice of the Global South Summit, held virtually, brought together 123 developing countries to discuss sustainable development challenges.
- Leaders emphasized unity in addressing global issues like terrorism, climate change, and debt distress, particularly in Africa.
- The summit called for reforming international organizations to better reflect Global South interests and promote South-South cooperation.
- Climate change mitigation, technology transfer, and increased climate finance support were highlighted as key priorities for developing nations.
The third ‘Voice of the Global South Summit’, a summit organized virtually on 17 August 2024 registered 123 countries from the developing world to address and deliberate on challenges and prospects for sustainable development. The summit was also attended by 21 heads of state and governments, 34 ministers of foreign affairs, and 118 ministers of other fields in 10 ministerial sessions.
Strengthening Unity and Solidarity
The summit, like many other such events, emphasised the need to consolidate developing countries in the face of global issues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that global efforts are required to address issues such as terrorism, radicalism, and climate change. Some cited sovereignty, others strategic autonomy, and others intervention, referring to the requirement of respecting the principles of equality between partners, mutual respect, and mutual understanding; each country is a separate subject
Addressing Debt Distress and Credit Growth
Debt distress, particularly in Africa, as well as slow credit growth became very apparent during the Foreign Ministers’ sessions. Some leaders have urged for changes in the international system to provide aid for developing nations who are facing these problems of finances.[1]
Reforming Global Governance
A consensus was, therefore, drawn on the imperative of transforming international organizations into structures reflective of the Global South. Self and other-regarding preferences were asserted by leaders for a rule-based international system on pillars of sovereignty, equality, and non-intervention.[2]
Climate Change Mitigation and Low Carbon Technology Transfer
The issue of climate change was in the focal area of the summit with most leaders highlighting the call for more action and volunteering for climate finance support to developing countries on climate change mitigation and adaptation. The emphasis made on technology transfer on SEF/SAP, in concessional and preferential terms, was also named as one of the breakthrough priorities within the framework of further implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. [3]
Enhancing South-South Cooperation
The summit acknowledged the important function of the South Centre as catalytic to the Global South in delivering cognitive and policy services to further the direction of South-North cooperation. Bureaucrats urged the South Centre to forge partnerships with other organizations to strengthen the bargaining front of developing countries in issues with multinational organizations [4]
Conclusion
The 3rd VOC South conference became an effective platform for the representatives of the developing countries to amplify their concerns and progress and define a united strategy for their successful and sustainable further development. The results of the summit are to influence the future policies and practices concerning the advancement of the Global South nations internationally.
References:
[1] Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposes human-centric Global Development Compact to boost growth in Global South-https://www.newsonair.gov.in/india-to-host-third-voice-of-global-south-summit-in-virtual-format-today
[2] 123 countries joined Voice of Global South summit; China, Pakistan not invited-https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/123-countries-joined-voice-of-global-south-summit-china-pakistan-not-invited/articleshow/112595774.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
[3] 123 countries joined Voice of Global South summit; China, Pakistan not invited-https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/123-countries-joined-voice-of-global-south-summit-china-pakistan-not-invited-101723913903132.html
[4] THIRD SOUTH SUMMIT OUTCOME DOCUMENT-https://www.g77.org/doc/3southsummit_outcome.html
Parag is pursuing his master’s at the Jindal School of International Affairs. Views expressed are the author’s own.
Balaji Subramanian 
Dhruv Ashok 
Aayush Pal