The 3rd Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS)

Context:

India is emerging as one of the global voices for a more representative, inclusive system of global governance. The 3rd Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS), that took place on 17th August 2024 was thematically tagged under “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future,” while 123 countries participated with only China and Pakistan missing.

What is Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS)?

• An India led initiative offering a platform for Global South countries to share their views and solutions.
• VOGSS resonates with the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“One Earth, One Family, One Future”) and Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas (Inclusive Growth for All).
• Need for VOGSS
  • Global Challenges (COVID 19, Ukrainian Conflict, food and energy insecurity, debt crisis).
  • Limited South’s representation concerns at international platforms. Inadequate finance to deal with the challenge to development

Key Outcome 3rd VOGSS 2024

• Global Development Compact (GDC)
  • Trade as a tool for development
  • Building capacity for sustainable growth
  • Technology sharing
• Concessional finance & grants Funding & Support Programmes
  • $2.5 million fund for trade promotion.
  • $1 million fund for building capacity in the field of trade policy and negotiation.

Healthcare & Agriculture

• Cheap Generic Medicines to Global South
• Training to drug regulators
• Sharing Technology & Experience IN Natural Farming

What is the Global South?

• Term coined by Carl Oglesby (1969) to describe countries that had been dominated by the Global North.
• Comprises Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
• Normally low income and politically disenfranchised.
• India & China are the leading countries of the Global South.
• The Brandt Line segments the wealthy North and the poor South, based on division by GDP per capita.

India’s Expectations as a Voice of Global South

• Geopolitical Rivalry with China
  • China’s BRI only strengthens its presence in the Global South.
  • India must build strategic alliances to counter Chinese influence.
• Food Security Conundrum
  • India’s rice export bans (July 2023) speaks contradiction in a place like it, which claims to work for global food security.
  • Opproprocrium for trying to serve national interest rather than the greater good in the South.
• Pharmaceutical Repute Issues
  • India’s image as the “pharmacy of the world” is under threat due to the supply of spurious medicines.
  • WHO alerts or warnings point to a need for strict quality control.
• In house Development Challenges
  • Poverty, unemployment and poor infrastructure are questions on India’s ability to lead the rest.
  • Health and education in the rural areas require improvement before India can guide the rest of the developing world.

The Way Ahead for India

• Consolidate Strategic Alliances
  • Upgrade cooperation in the areas of technology, health care and education. Form strategic alliances to contain Chinese influence particularly in BRI regions.
• Development of a Balanced Growth Model
  • Position India as the ethically alternative debt driven model from China. Focus on sustainability & inclusiveness in developmental cooperation.
• Reviewing Export Strategies
  • Ensure a better balance between internal food security and international obligations.
  • Invest more in agricultural technology to increase production to meet international obligations.
• Domestic Issues First
  • Infrastructure, health, and education must be strengthened by being role models.
  • A robust domestic foundation will further strengthen the credibility of India as a Global South leader.

Conclusion

India can forge a new and effective governance landscape in the global world, advancing Global South interests, but leadership has to be supported by strategic policies, credibility in global commitments, and strong domestic development. That way, it determines success to lead the Global South effectively, where domestic priorities meet international responsibilities.