External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has urged nations of the Global South to foster stronger solidarity and to pursue a concerted push for United Nations reform. This call came during a High-Level Meeting of Like-Minded Global South countries held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.
Jaishankar expressed that as global challenges multiply, it becomes increasingly vital for nations within the Global South to turn towards a multilateral approach for viable solutions. He articulated these sentiments in a detailed post on X following the meeting, stating, “It is natural that the Global South turns to multilateralism for solutions.”
In his address, the minister outlined a structured strategy for enhancing the Global South’s engagement in world affairs. He presented five pivotal proposals aimed at amplifying the collective voice and influence of developing nations on international platforms.
Jaishankar emphasised the necessity of leveraging existing forums to strengthen consultations among Global South nations. This approach, he noted, could significantly enhance solidarity and foster collaborative efforts.
One of the key proposals stressed by Jaishankar was the urgent need for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations and multilateralism as a whole. He articulated that the Global South must showcase its strengths, experiences, and achievements on the international stage. These include innovations in vaccines, advancements in digital technologies, education systems, agro-practices, and the capabilities of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Moreover, Jaishankar pointed out the criticality of pursuing an equitable response to global issues. He stated that in fields like climate action and climate justice, it is imperative for the Global South to develop initiatives that serve their own interests instead of merely conforming to the viewpoints of the Global North.
Highlighting the importance of emerging technologies, Jaishankar called for proactive discussions surrounding advancements in artificial intelligence. He underscored the necessity for developing countries to emerge as key players in the evolving technological landscape, ensuring they are not marginalised in global decision-making processes.
India has consistently taken the lead in championing the rights and voices of Global South nations in international dialogues. As part of this ongoing commitment, Jaishankar reiterated the need for developing countries to engage meaningfully with the global agenda, ensuring they are represented adequately in discussions that impact their futures. This engagement, he believes, is crucial for fostering a more just and equitable international order.
In a world marked by interconnected challenges, Jaishankar’s call for stronger Global South solidarity embodies a collective will to reshape global governance, advocating for a more inclusive approach that prioritises the needs and aspirations of developing nations.
