India to host 'Voice of Global South Summit' next week

The foreign secretary did not give a direct reply when asked whether countries in India's neighbourhood like Pakistan were invited for the summit.

New Delhi, Jan 06: India is set to host a special global virtual summit titled "Voice of Global South", which envisages consolidating the collective voice of developing nations on major global issues. The summit, which will begin on January 12, will host 120 countries across the globe.

Announcing the "new and unique initiative", Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said "We will be holding a special virtual summit on 12th and 13th Jan 2023. This Summit will be called 'The Voice of Global South Summit', under the theme 'Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose'.

"It essentially envisages bringing together countries of the global south and sharing their perspectives, on a common platform, across a whole range of issues. More than 120 countries are being invited for this Voice of Global South Summit," he said.

"This initiative is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas'. It is also underpinned by India's philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'," he added.

The foreign secretary also referred to Ukraine conflict and its implications on food and energy security.

Kwatra did not give a direct reply when asked whether countries in India's neighbourhood like Pakistan were invited for the summit.

"Invitation to over 120 countries of global South. As we go towards date of the Summit, we would be very happy to share with you list of confirmed participants across various sessions that will include session relating to Head of state and government.

Further, India's ongoing Presidency of the G20 provides a special and strong opportunity for those countries that are not part of the G20 process to share their ideas and expectations from the G20. This is in line with Prime Minister's statement that India's G20 Presidency will be shaped in consultation with not just our G20 partners, but also our fellow-travellers in the Global South, whose voice often goes unheard.

The Summit envisages ten sessions. Four sessions would be held on 12 January, and six sessions on 13 January. Each session is expected to witness the participation of Leaders/Ministers from 10-20 countries.

The inaugural and concluding sessions would be at Head of State / Government level, and hosted by the Prime Minister. The theme of the Inaugural Leaders' session is "Voice of Global South - for Human-Centric Development" and that of the Concluding Leaders' session is "Unity of Voice-Unity of Purpose".

In addition, there would be 8 Ministerial sessions, with the following themes:

• Finance Ministers' Session on "Financing People-Centric Development"
• Environment Ministers' Session on "Balancing Growth with Environment Friendly Lifestyles (LiFE)"
• Foreign Ministers' Session on "Priorities of the Global South - Ensuring a Conducive Environment"
• Energy Ministers' Session on "Energy Security and Development- Roadmap to Prosperity"
• Health Ministers' Session on "Cooperation to Build Resilient Healthcare Systems"
• Education Ministers' Session on "Human Resource Development and Capacity Building"
• Commerce and Trade Ministers' Session on "Developing Synergies in the Global South - Trade, Technology, Tourism and Resources"
• Foreign Ministers' Session on "G-20: Suggestions for India's Presidency".