Global South existed geographically, getting voice for first time: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of the Global South, saying that it has always existed geographically, but through concerted efforts it is getting a voice for the first time.

Speaking at the opening session of the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit today, Prime Minister Modi said, “Geographically, the Global South has always existed, but it is getting a voice for the first time, and this is because of the collective efforts. are more than 100 countries, but our priorities are similar.”

“Last year, at the G20 summit, we tried to focus on development of the people, by the people and for the people…,” Prime Minister Modi said.

The 2nd Voice of Global South Summit will take place in virtual mode.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that the issue of the Global South was also included in the G20 New Delhi Declaration, and received the nod from world leaders at the G20 Leaders Summit here in New Delhi in September.

“…In January this year, India hosted the Voice of the Global South Summit for the first time. During more than two hundred G20 meetings in various states of India, we addressed the priorities of the Global South,” said the Prime Minister in his opening speech at the 2nd Voice of the Global South Summit.

“I cannot forget that historic moment when, thanks to India’s efforts, the African Union was granted permanent membership in the G20…,” Prime Minister Modi added.

As India sets to host the Artificial Global Partnership Summit next month, the Prime Minister also spoke at length about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and said India believes that new technology should not widen the gap between the Global North and the Global South.

In his remarks at the session, Prime Minister Modi said, “India believes that new technology should not widen the gap between the Global North and the Global South. In times of artificial intelligence, it is important that technology is used responsibly. If I want to promote this, India will host the Artificial Global Partnership Summit next month…”

The 2023 Summit of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) will be held here in the national capital from December 12 to 14. This summit will focus on several critical aspects of AI, including responsible AI, data governance, the future of work, innovation and commercialization.

The second VOGSS (Voice of Global South Summit) would focus on sharing with the countries of the Global South the key achievements achieved at various G20 meetings during the Indian Presidency. The challenges posed by global developments are also likely to be discussed.

Furthermore, the Summit will serve as a platform to discuss ways to sustain the momentum being generated towards our common pursuit of a more inclusive, representative and progressive world order.

The second VOGSS will be structured in 10 sessions. The opening and closing sessions would take place at the level of the heads of state and government and would be hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The theme of the first leadership session is ‘Together, for everyone’s growth, with everyone’s trust’ and that of the concluding leadership session is ‘Global South: Together for One Future’, the MEA said.

In January this year, India held the first-ever virtual Voice of the Global South Summit (VOGSS).

The summit took place over two days and 125 countries from the South came together for this special effort to discuss their objectives and positions on one platform.