Voice of Global South Summit 2024: Outcomes and India’s Role
Why in the news
The 3rd Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS) reinforced India’s image as a voice for more inclusive global governance.
About VOGSS
- An India-led platform for Global South countries to share views and solutions.
- Reflects Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.
- Needed because of COVID-19, the Ukraine conflict, food and energy insecurity, debt crises, weak representation and insufficient development finance.
- 3rd edition: 17 August 2024; 123 participants, without China and Pakistan.
Key outcomes
| Area | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Global Development Compact (GDC) | Trade as a development tool, capacity building, technology sharing |
| Funding | $2.5 million for trade promotion; $1 million for trade policy and negotiation capacity |
| Health | Affordable generic medicines; training for drug regulators |
| Agriculture | Sharing natural farming technology and experience |
About the Global South
- Term coined by Carl Oglesby (1969) for countries once dominated by the Global North.
- Covers Latin America, Africa, Asia and Oceania; usually low-income and politically marginalised; India and China lead it.
- The Brandt Line divides rich North and poor South by GDP per capita.
Concerns for India
- Rivalry with China, whose BRI boosts its presence in the Global South.
- July 2023 rice export ban clashes with a global food security role.
- “Pharmacy of the world” image hurt by spurious medicines and WHO alerts.
- Poverty, unemployment, weak infrastructure and rural health and education gaps.
Way forward
- Build strategic alliances and cooperation in technology, healthcare and education.
- Offer a sustainable, inclusive alternative to China’s debt-driven model.
- Balance domestic food security with global commitments and invest in agri-technology.
- Strengthen domestic infrastructure, health and education to back credibility.
Exam angle
- Theme: An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future.
- Coined by: Carl Oglesby; divider: Brandt Line.