3rd Voice of Global South Summit 2024 (VOGSS) | 21 Aug 2024

Source: ET

Why in News?

India hosted the 3^rd Voice of Global South Summit on 17th August 2024, in virtual format, with the overarching theme, "An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future”.

• 123 countries participated in the 3^rd  VOGSS. However, China and Pakistan were not invited.
• India had hosted the 1st VOGSS on 12-13^th January 2023, and the 2nd VOGSS on 17^th November 2023, both in virtual format

What is the Voice of the Global South Summit?

• About: It is a new and unique India led initiative that envisages bringing together countries of the Global South and share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform across a whole range of issues. 
  • It is a reflection of India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or "One Earth, One Family, One Future”, and Prime Minister’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas.
• Need of the VOGSS: Recent global developments, such as Covid pandemic, ongoing Ukraine conflict, mounting debt, challenges of food and energy security etc. have severely impacted the developing world. 
  • Widespread Ignorance: Often, the concerns of the developing world do not receive due attention and space on the global stage. 
  • Inadequate Resources: The relevant existing platforms have proven to be inadequate in addressing these challenges and concerns of the developing countries.
  • Renewed Cooperation: It is India's endeavor to provide a common platform to deliberate on the concerns, interests and priorities that affect the developing countries and also to exchange ideas and solutions.
• Key Outcomes of 3rd VOGSS 2024: 
  • Global Development Compact (GDC): Prime Minister of India put forward a proposal for a comprehensive four-fold Global Development Compact (GDC) comprising four elements:
    • Trade for development
    • Capacity building for sustainable growth
    • Technology sharing
    • Project specific concessional finance and grants.
  • Funding and Support: The Prime Minister of India announced a number of significant initiatives by India in advancing its development partnership with countries of the Global South, including 
    • A USD 2.5 million fund to boost trade promotion activities and
    • A USD 1 million fund for capacity building in trade policy and trade negotiation. 
  • Healthcare Promotion: India will work to make affordable and effective generic medicines available to the Global South countries, support training of drug regulators, and share experiences and technology in 'natural farming' in the agriculture sector.
  • Reforming Global Institutions: Prime Minister emphasised that solutions to tensions and conflicts depend on just and inclusive global governance.
    • Reformation of global institutions is needed whose priorities give preference to addressing the concerns of the Global South, with developed countries also fulfilling their responsibilities and commitments.
  • Collaboration for SDGs: 3rd VOGSS was driven by a shared vision of a Global South that fully achieves the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and embarks on a rapid developmental trajectory beyond 2030.
    • It emphasized strengthening collective efforts to address the challenges faced by the Global South, including development finance, health, climate change, technology, governance, energy, trade, youth empowerment, and digital transformation.

What is Global South?

• American academic Carl Oglesby coined the term “Global South” in 1969 to denote a set of countries beset by the “dominance” of the Global North through political and economic exploitation.
• The phrase “Global South” refers broadly to the regions of Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania separated by the Brandt line. 
  • It denotes regions outside Europe and North America, mostly low-income and often politically or culturally marginalised.
• China and India are the leading proponents of the Global South.
• The Brandt line is a visual representation of the world's economic divide between the rich north and the poor south, based on GDP per capita. 
  • It was proposed by Willy Brandt in the 1970s and encircles the globe at a latitude of roughly 30° North.

What are Challenges for India as the “Voice of Global South”?

• Geopolitical Competition: India is increasingly seen as a competitor to China in leading the Global South.
  • China is increasingly making inroads in the Global South through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for developing infrastructure.
• Food Security Dilemma: One of the major challenges India faces as a leader of the Global South is addressing food security. 
  • India's decision to restrict rice exports in July 2023 has been criticised as inconsistent with its leadership role, especially given its commitment to addressing global food challenges. 
  • Critics argue that such moves could undermine India's claim to lead the Global South.
• Pharmaceutical Challenge: India's reputation as the "pharmacy of the world" has also come under scrutiny due to recent controversies over contaminated medicines linked to Indian manufacturers. 
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued several warnings about substandard drugs, highlighting the need for India to maintain high standards in its pharmaceutical exports.
• Internal Development Issues: Critics argue India should prioritise its domestic development issues like unequal wealth distribution, unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure, before leading others.
  • India's vast rural population lacks access to quality healthcare and education, raising questions about its capacity to address similar issues in other developing nations.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Strategic Partnerships: India should continue to build and strengthen alliances with countries in the Global South, focusing on collaborative projects in technology, education, and healthcare. 
  • It can help counter China's influence, particularly in regions where the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is dominant.
• Balanced Development Model: India should advocate for a development model that prioritizes sustainability and inclusivity, distinguishing itself from China's debt trap approach. 
  • India can position itself as a more ethical and people-centered leader.
• Reassess Export Policies: To maintain credibility in the Global South, India should strike a balance between domestic food security and global responsibilities. 
  • Investing in agricultural innovation and technology can help increase domestic food production, ensuring that India can meet both its domestic needs and international commitments.
• Prioritize Domestic Challenges: Addressing domestic issues such as poverty, unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure is essential for India to lead by example. 
  • A strong, well-developed India will have greater credibility and moral authority to guide other developing nations.