Asheaf AboArafe
India hosted a special virtual Summit, the “Voice of Global South Summit” under the theme “Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose” to bring together countries of the Global South to share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform, on 12-13 January 2023. More than 120 countries participated in this Summit.
The initiative is inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas, underpinned by India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, i.e., the entire world is one family.
The Summit consisted of ten sessions. Four sessions were held on 12 January, and six sessions on 13 January 2023. Each session was attended by Leaders/Ministers from 10-20 countries. Prime Minister Modi hosted the inaugural and concluding sessions that were held at Head of State / Government level. The theme of the Inaugural Leaders’ session was “Voice of Global South – for Human-Centric Development” and that of the Concluding Leaders’ session was “Unity of Voice-Unity of Purpose”.
In addition, there were 08 Ministerial sessions, each having specific theme on Finance, Environment, Energy, Health, Education, Commerce & Trade and Foreign Affairs.
Egypt also attended Foreign Ministers’ session on “G-20: Suggestions for India’s Presidency”. Some prominent leaders who attended the Session included Foreign Ministers of Serbia, Albania, Mali, Mauritania, Chile, Philippines and United Arab Emirates. H.E.Sameh Shoukry, Foreign Minister of Egypt in his recorded message appreciated India for extending an invitation to Egypt for participating in G20 as ‘Guest Country’. In his speech, H.E.Shoukry spoke of multi-dimensional crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the global supply chains disruption, growing food security crisis and the existential threat of climate change, and their devastating impact in the form debt burden in many developing countries. He sought holistic and inclusive approach within rule based economic order. Foreign Minister Shoukry highlighted some of the priorities for Egypt in the field of food security, climate finance, access to affordable and modern energy, as he advocated the support by development partners to Global South in economic recovery and sustainable development needs. He appreciated India for organizing the Summit that provided the Global South with an opportunity to share views on how the G20 can help set the global narrative on development.
India will work to ensure that the valuable inputs generated from partner countries in the Voice of Global South Summit deliberations receive due cognizance globally.
