Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday gave a clarion call for the countries of the Global South “to unite, stand together in one voice, and become each other's strength as this was the need of the hour” at a time when geopolitical conflicts and climate change have emerged as challenges to development.
In his opening remarks at the Inaugural Session of the Voice of Global South Summit 3.0, hosted by India in a virtual format, PM Modi said, “We are not only facing the challenges of climate change, but now there are also concerns about health security, food security, and energy security. The technology divide and new economic and social challenges related to technology are also emerging.”
“The need of the hour is to tackle the challenges created by the war situation and climate change for the development journey. Terrorism, extremism and separatism also remain serious threats to our societies, he added.
“The global governance and financial institutions created in the last century have been unable to meet the challenges of this century,” the Prime Minister remarked.
“Let us together give recognition to two-thirds of humanity. Let us learn from each other's experiences, share our abilities and together, take our resolutions to success,” he observed.
“India is committed to sharing its experiences and its capabilities with all the countries of the Global South,” PM Modi said.
"In 2022, when India took over the G20 presidency, we resolved to give a new structure to the G20. The Voice of Global South Summit became a platform where we openly discussed problems and priorities related to development. India prepared the G20 agenda based on the hopes, aspirations, and priorities of the Global South," the PM said.
Highlighting achievements during India's G20 presidency, PM Modi said, "We took G20 ahead with an inclusive and development-oriented approach. The biggest example of this was the historic moment when the African Union received permanent membership of G20."
"Today, we are meeting at a time when there is a sense of uncertainty across the world. The world has not been able to completely get out of the impact of Covid. On the other hand, war situations have posed challenges for our development journey,” he added.
The third Voice of Global South Summit, under the theme ‘An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future’, serves as a platform to build on discussions from previous summits. The event focuses on addressing complex global challenges, such as conflicts, food and energy security crises, and climate change, which affect developing nations.
Sri Lankan Navy arrests 32 Tamil fishermen, five boats seized
The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 32 fishermen from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Lankan waters.
Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi hails ISRO's century in rocket launches, urges people to dedicate a day for science
Addressing the 119th episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat', on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Indian Space Research Organisation, saying it has hit the century in space. Last month, the country witnessed the ISRO's 100th rocket launch.
Mizoram student stabbed to death in Kerala, batchmate arrested
A 22-year-old BTech student from Mizoram was stabbed to death near his college in Thiruvananthapuram. The deceased, Valentine, was a student at Rajadhani Institute of Engineering & Technology, Nagaroor.
Italy PM slams Left's double standards, says when Trump, Meloni, Modi talk, they are called threat to democracy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has accused left-wing politicians of being "nervous" over former US President Donald Trump's victory, claiming that conservatives are unfairly labelled as a "threat to democracy" while leftist leaders are celebrated for similar global alliances.
NDRF intensifies rescue operation to save 8 trapped in Telangana tunnel
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams on Sunday intensified rescue efforts to save eight persons trapped in an under-construction tunnel after a portion of its roof collapsed in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district on February 22.
Israel delays Palestinian prisoner release after 'humiliating' hostage handovers
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the release of Palestinian prisoners would be delayed until Hamas ceases its "humiliating ceremonies" during the release of Israeli hostages under the ceasefire deal.
PM Modi on 3-day visit to MP, Bihar, Assam from today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Assam from February 23 to 25 to participate in several developmental projects and inaugurate business summits.
US senators call out China for 'weaponising' UN 1971 resolution, vow support to Taiwan
The United States Senators accused China of subverting United Nations Resolution 2758 in an attempt to isolate Taiwan. The senators proposed a resolution in the Senate reaffirming US support for Taiwan. The resolution opposes China's attempt to prevent Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organisations.