External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has called for increased solidarity among Global South nations during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. He urged a renewed commitment to multilateralism and a collective push toward reforming the United Nations and other key global institutions.
Jaishankar’s remarks came as he shared insights on the critical importance of collective action among developing nations. He made a compelling case that, faced with a proliferation of global issues and risks, it is only natural for the Global South to turn to multilateralism for effective solutions.
During the meeting, Jaishankar outlined five strategic proposals aimed at amplifying the collective voice and influence of the Global South in international affairs. He emphasized that utilizing existing forums is crucial to enhancing consultations among these nations, thereby fostering solidarity and collaboration.
Moreover, Jaishankar champions comprehensive reform of the UN and the entirety of multilateral frameworks. He believes that the Global South must actively showcase its unique strengths, experiences, and achievements to the global stage.
He cited critical areas such as vaccines, digital capabilities, education capacities, agro-practices, and support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as vital examples of how developing nations can contribute positively to the international community.
Highlighting the pressing need for an equitable approach to global challenges, the minister stated that, particularly in matters like climate action and climate justice, the Global South should formulate initiatives that align with its interests, rather than merely adopting perspectives from the Global North.
Jaishankar further stressed the significance of engaging in discussions on emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to ensure that developing nations are not relegated to the sidelines in the rapidly changing global order.
India has consistently taken the lead in advocating for the interests of the Global South across various international forums. By reiterating its commitment to ensuring that developing nations have a meaningful role in setting the global agenda, India aims to strengthen cooperation among these countries for the betterment of all.
