After third world, the promise of One World

In an unprecedented move, the Voice of Global South Summit was convened early in India’s G20 presidency, spotlighting the concerns of 125 nations. This inclusive approach culminated in India setting a G20 agenda that truly encapsulates the aspirations of the Global South. We moved the needle on important conversations around climate action, technology, healthcare, accelerating progress on Sustainable Development Goals, reforming multilateral institutions, enabling just energy transitions and most importantly, championing women-led development.

The New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration heralds a future where the challenges and aspirations of the developing world are no longer relegated to the sidelines. It is the first-ever G20 declaration that richly represents the shared struggles and mutual developmental aspirations of the Global South. It draws attention to the indispensable need for enhanced access to medical countermeasures and fortified production capabilities. This proactive approach aims at safeguarding developing nations against looming health threats and future pandemics.

The New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration doesn’t shy away from addressing the intricate web of economic hurdles. Acknowledging the debilitating impact of debt vulnerabilities on developing economies, it envisions a framework for strong, sustainable and balanced economic growth. In a world rife with diverse challenges and aspirations, voices of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) often get overshadowed. In a significant move, the New Delhi Declaration aims to effectively integrate their unique perspectives, ensuring that these voices resonate in global decision-making corridors.

Financing has always been the linchpin of development, and the declaration reaffirms the G20’s dedication to mobilising resources that are affordable and accessible. This commitment geared towards the realisation of the 2030 Agenda, promises to unshackle developing countries from their developmental bottlenecks. By pledging to expedite the shift to clean and sustainable energy, the declaration also acknowledges the differentiated energy constraints and opportunities inherent to developing countries.

One of the most momentous outcomes of India’s presidency was championing the inclusion of the African Union (AU) as a permanent G20 member. India’s pivotal role in securing the AU’s permanent membership in the G20 is more than just a diplomatic achievement. It symbolises a paradigm shift in international relations, underscoring the importance of collective decision-making that respects diversity and acknowledges the aspirations of every continent.

A region that houses nearly 18% of the world’s population, Africa has long been underrepresented in global platforms. This historic inclusion rectifies past oversights, offering a platform for Africa to voice its unique concerns. Furthermore, with the escalating threats posed by climate change, the AU can highlight developmental roadblocks faced by some of the most vulnerable nations in the world that are in the region. With Africa accounting for just 2.9% of global economic output despite its vast population and rich natural resources, permanent membership in the G20 will serve as a conduit to champion the interests of a region with enormous untapped potential.

India’s G20 presidency was spearheaded by the invaluable contribution of the developing world and emerging markets. The role of emerging markets in shaping the New Delhi Declaration’s geopolitical clauses was pivotal. The influence and solid support from powerhouses like Indonesia, Brazil, and South Africa, underscores their increasing clout in global dialogues. Their collaboration ensures the challenges and aspirations of the Global South remain at the forefront of global discussions.

PM Narendra Modi put forth an innovative proposition at the New Delhi Leaders’ Summit for the world’s top sports leagues to channel 5% of their earnings into enhancing sports infrastructure for women in Global South countries. Such an initiative would not only boost sports infrastructure but would also empower women, promote gender equality, and foster talent in regions historically underrepresented in global sports.

Since 2008, the share of emerging markets in the global economy has grown consistently. Now almost two-thirds of the global growth comes from emerging markets. Six of the world’s fastest-growing countries are located in Africa. For far too long, the Global South was unjustly branded as the “third world”, a label rife with negative undertones. But let’s set the record straight. Today, with an overwhelming 80% of the world’s population and a formidable 39% slice of the global Gross Domestic Product, these nations don’t just make up the majority — they are a dominant force, a titan on the global stage, and the world must sit up and take notice!

The G20 presidency under India’s stewardship proved to be transformative, championing the principles of unity, shared growth, and human-centric development. Diplomacy and dialogue will be the cornerstones of global discourse. We have successfully advanced the idea of a global landscape where every nation, big or small, developed or developing, has an equal voice and a shared stake in shaping our common future.

Amitabh Kant is G20 Sherpa of India. The views expressed are personal