‘Global South In Front Row Of Crises, In The Back Row Of Decision-Making’, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that the Global South is at the forefront of global crises but lacks adequate representation in decision-making bodies.
• He made these remarks at a High-Level Meeting of Like-Minded Global South Countries and Friends during the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
• Jaishankar called for greater solidarity among developing countries and emphasized the need for the Global South to be included in global decision-making structures.
• Concerns were voiced over the weakening of multilateral institutions and the urgent necessity for comprehensive reforms, particularly within the United Nations.
• He also stressed the importance of resisting manipulation of supply chains, finance, connectivity, and energy security for political objectives.

Detailed Insights:

• The meeting, chaired by Jaishankar, focused on 'Navigating Together Towards a Brighter Future — the Compelling Case for an Empowered Global South'.
• Jaishankar highlighted that current global institutions reflect outdated power structures, which disadvantages the Global South.
• He pointed to increasing conflicts, geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and climate shocks as major global uncertainties disproportionately affecting the Global South.
• The EAM noted a dismantling of multilateralism at a time when global cooperation is most critical.
• India also participated in an India-UAE-France trilateral discussion covering collaboration in AI, Space, health sciences, energy, and culture.
• Foreign Ministers of the G4 nations (India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan) met to advocate for reformed multilateralism and a more representative UN Security Council.
• Discussions with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister included the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a planned multinational initiative to enhance connectivity and trade.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Global South: A term referring to countries, primarily in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, characterized by developing economies and shared historical experiences.
• Multilateralism: A diplomatic strategy involving multiple countries working together on shared issues to foster cooperation and collective decision-making.
• United Nations General Assembly (UNGA): The main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the United Nations, comprising all 193 member states.
• UN Security Council (UNSC): One of the six principal organs of the United Nations, primarily responsible for maintaining international peace and security.