EAM Jaishankar Stresses Economic Resilience, Climate Action, and Multilateral Reforms at Voice of Global South Summit

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted key themes such as economic resilience, climate change, multilateralism, and digital transformation during the third session of the Voice of Global South Summit, held virtually on Saturday. His remarks centered on how these factors are critical for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advancing the progress of Global South nations.

Jaishankar emphasized the importance of building resilient supply chains in light of the disruptions caused by the pandemic, conflicts, and climate events. He pointed out that the global community must focus on diversifying production to mitigate risks in the international economy, which aligns with the principles of socio-economic justice.

"The experience of the pandemic, conflicts, and climate events has underscored the necessity for reliable and resilient supply chains. There's an urgent need to diversify production across various domains to de-risk the international economy. What was once argued for in terms of socio-economic justice is now equally compelling for global predictability," Jaishankar stated.

Addressing climate change, Jaishankar urged Global South nations to collaborate on securing low-cost financing and access to critical technologies for a just energy transition. He reiterated India's commitment to highlighting Just Energy Transitions during its G20 Presidency and called for a collective effort to support the Global South.

"The risks of climate change, the cost of transition pathways, and resource accessibility are major issues in the ongoing debate. We must work together as a family to facilitate the flow of low-cost financing and critical technologies to the Global South," he emphasized.

Jaishankar also called for revitalizing multilateralism, particularly through reforms in Multilateral Development Banks via the G20. He noted that existing multilateral organizations have failed to address global challenges due to their obsolescence and polarization, underscoring the need for reformed multilateralism.

"It is undeniable that as the global order faced critical challenges, solutions did not emerge from the multilateral domain. This is due to the obsolescence and polarization of multilateral organizations. India has consistently advocated for reformed multilateralism and the reform of Multilateral Development Banks through the G20. As a group, we must press our case," Jaishankar remarked.

In discussing digital transformation, Jaishankar highlighted the need for democratizing digital technologies and shared India's experiences with Digital Public Infrastructure, which could benefit Global South partners.

"Digital Public Infrastructure has been a key driver of transformation in India. Our experiences will be of interest to Global South partners, who could also benefit from intra-South digital exchanges and cooperation," he noted.

Jaishankar concluded by emphasizing the importance of the upcoming UN Summit of the Future as a platform for Global South nations to voice their concerns and interests.
"It is important that our interests and concerns are well articulated at the upcoming UN Summit of the Future. We, as the Global South, must work collectively to ensure a better future," he concluded.