The Global South, which comprises developing and often deprived nations, is gaining prominence on the international stage.
At the G-20 summit in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the Global South's priorities drove India's Presidency.
Developing countries like Indonesia, India, Brazil, and South Africa are consecutively hosting major international gatherings, indicating the Global South's growing influence.
Prime Minister Modi hosted a virtual summit called the "Voice of the Global South," which included around 125 countries to discuss and set priorities.
Global South's Perspective:
PM Modi stated that the Global South, representing three-fourths of humanity, should have an equivalent voice in global governance.
The induction of the 55-nation African Union at the G-20 summit was seen as a significant outcome, highlighting the Global South's role.
Climate Change and Development:
The Global South played a key role in the proclamation of the 'Loss and Damage fund' at the CoP 27 climate change conference in Egypt.
The upcoming CoP 28 in the UAE will focus on mitigating climate change while considering the development priorities of the Global South.
Inclusion in International Forums:
The G7, a grouping of the world's richest countries, extended invitations to developing nations, including India and Brazil, as an outreach to the Global South.
The BRICS summit in South Africa expanded its membership, partially attributing this expansion to efforts to engage the Global South.
The G-77, a grouping of developing nations at the UN, held a high-level Summit in Havana, Cuba, emphasizing the region's importance.
Global South's Challenges:
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel called developing countries the biggest victims of a "multidimensional crisis," which includes issues like "abusive unequal trade," global warming, and climate change.
Formation of the Global South:
The Group of 77 (G-77) was formed in 1964 as an intergovernmental organization of developing countries to promote their collective economic interests.
Today, the G-77 includes 134 countries, referred to as 'G-77+China' in international forums, although China is not technically part of the group.
Origin of the Term 'Global South':
The term 'Global South' is believed to have been coined by American anti-war activist Carl Oglesby during the Cold War.
It refers to the oppressed nations by 'the North' (U.S., Europe, Russia).
Discussions about organizing countries of the Global South led to the establishment of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) in 1974.
The 'Brandt Line':
In the 1980s, economists developed the 'Brandt Line,' a more accurate representation of the economic North and South, as the original term did not always geographically align with economic realities.
Recent Revival of Global South's Influence:
Interest in the Global South declined in the early 21st century but has revived due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturn, and global geopolitical shifts.
Changing Global Governance Landscape:
A shifting center of gravity in global governance toward the Global South, with various international organizations and players seeking its participation in decision-making.
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