An empowered South for a sustainable future

That is the theme of the 3rd Southern Voices Summit hosted by India tomorrow, August 17.

This unique initiative started as an extension of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas (Being with the people, Development for the people, and Trust of the people) with India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ( The world is one family). The initiative aims to unite the countries of the Southern region to share their views and priorities on various issues on a common platform.

The 2nd Southern Voices Summit will take place online on November 17, 2023. (Source: Wion)

India hosted the first Voice of the South Summit (VOGSS) from 12-13 January 2023 and the second on 17 November 2023, both in virtual format and attended by over 100 countries from the South. The inputs and feedback received from the leaders of developing countries at the two Summits were duly reflected in the agenda and discussions of the G20 Summit during India’s presidency of the group last year and also in the G20 Leaders’ Statement in New Delhi.

With the theme “An Empowered South for a Sustainable Future”, the 3rd VOGSS will serve as a follow-up platform to expand discussions at previous Summits on a range of complex challenges that continue to affect the world, such as conflicts, food and energy security crises, climate change, etc. Southern countries will continue to discuss challenges, priorities and solutions for the region, especially in the field of development.

Similar to the previous two Summits, the 3rd VOGSS was held virtually and divided into a Leaders’ Session and a Ministerial Session. The inaugural session was at the Head of State/ Government level and chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

10 Ministerial-level meetings with topics:

• Foreign Ministers' Meeting on “Carving out a Unique Model for the South”
• Health Ministers' Meeting on “One World – One Health”
• Youth Minister's Session on “Encouraging Youth to Contribute to a Better Future”
• Trade Ministers' Meeting on “Trade for Development – Perspectives from the South”
• Minister of Information and Technology Meeting on “Digital Infrastructure for Development – Approach from the South”
• Finance Ministers' Meeting on “A People-Centered Approach to International Finance”
• 2nd Session of the Foreign Ministers on “The South and Global Governance”
• Energy Ministers' Session on “Sustainable Energy Solutions for a Sustainable World”
• Minister of Education Session on “Prioritizing Human Resource Development: A Southern Perspective”
• Environment Ministers' Session on “Pathways to Success – A Southern Perspective on Climate Change Mitigation”

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/mot-phuong-nam-duoc-trao-quyen-vi-mot-tuong-lai-ben-vung-282835.html