India to amplify voice of Global South in G20: Modi
New Delhi, Jan 12 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday while referring to India’s G20 Presidency said its aim is to amplify the voice of the Global South.
“As India begins its G20 Presidency this year, it is natural that our aim is to amplify the voice of the Global South. Your voice is India’s voice. Your priorities are India’s priorities. We believe the path to realising ‘oneness’ is through human-centric development,” Modi said addressing the inaugural session of “Voice of Global South Summit” virtually.
He said people of Global South should no longer be excluded from the fruits of development.
“Together we must attempt to redesign global political and financial governance. This can remove inequities, enlarge opportunities, support growth and spread progress and prosperity,” Modi said as he emphasised that Global South have the largest stakes in the future.
He added, “Three fourths of humanity lives in our countries. We should also have equivalent voice. Hence, as the eight-decade old model of global governance slowly changes, we should try to shape the emerging order.”
Citing that India has always shared its developmental with Global South, the PM said, “Our development partnerships cover all geographies and diverse sectors. We supplied medicines and vaccines to over 100 countries during the pandemic. India has always stood for greater role of developing countries in determining our common future.”
“Most of the global challenges have not been created by the Global South. But they affect us more. We have seen this in the impacts of Covid pandemic, climate change, terrorism and even the Ukraine conflict,” he said.
The PM further said, “To re-energise the world, we should together call for a global agenda of Respond, Recognise, Respect and Reform .”
“Respond to the priorities of the Global South by framing an inclusive and balanced international agenda. Recognise that the principle of ‘Common but Differentiated Responsibilities’ applies to all global challenges. Respect sovereignty of all nations, rule of law and peaceful resolution of differences and disputes; and Reform international institutions, including the United Nations, to make them more relevant,” he added.
Talking about the Summit, the PM said , “Over the next two days, this Voice of Global South Summit will have discussions on eight priority areas. I am confident that together the Global South can produce new and creative ideas. These ideas can form the basis of our voice in the G20 and other forums.”
The “Voice of Global South Summit” , is being hosted by India virtually under the theme “Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose”. It envisages bringing together countries of the Global South to share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform.