India to hold second Voice of Global South Summit virtually on Nov 17

India will host the second edition of the Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS) in a virtual mode on Friday during which challenges posed by global developments are likely to be discussed, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

The summit, to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to generate further momentum for achieving a “more inclusive, representative and progressive world order”, the ministry said.

It would see India sharing with countries of the Global South the key outcomes achieved in various G20 meetings under the country's Presidency, it said, adding that the challenges posed by global developments are also likely to be discussed.

The Global South refers to nations regarded as having a relatively low level of economic and industrial development, and are typically located to the south of more industrialised nations.

At a media briefing here, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said countries are free to speak on any issue they consider important, and are encouraged to raise whatever concerns they have.

India hosted the inaugural VOGSS on January 12-13 in 2023, also in a virtual format.

The initiative brought together 125 countries of the Global South to share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform. These had then been compiled and integrated by India into its agenda for the G20 Presidency.

One of the key recommendations that had emerged from African nations was a demand for representation in the G20. This was achieved after the African Union became the 21st member of the body after the New Delhi Summit.

The government expects continued engagement with the Global South to offer tangible results in the form of closer ties with these nations, effectively opening up markets, creating strategic alliances, and ensuring that China is kept at bay.

The 2nd VOGSS will be structured into 10 sessions with the inaugural and concluding sessions at the Head of State or Government level. Both will be hosted by the prime minister.

The summit will also have 8 ministerial sessions. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to address two of them.

Bagchi said the opening remarks from Modi and the ministers would be made public. While he did not clarify how many leaders would be attending it, he said the MEA has received a 'very large number of confirmations'.