The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Moosa Zameer, has issued a strong call for urgent international action on debt relief and climate justice during the Foreign Ministers’ Session of the Third Voice of the Global South Summit. The summit, hosted virtually by the Government of India on 17 August 2024, provided a critical platform for non-G20 nations to express their concerns and aspirations under the theme “Charting a New Paradigm for Global South.”
Key Points Raised by Minister Zameer
In his address, Minister Zameer commended India for its leadership during its G20 presidency, particularly highlighting initiatives that have had a positive impact on both G20 countries and the Global South. He underscored the increasing burden of debt obligations as a significant obstacle to sustainable development, especially in the face of global challenges that demand greater resilience. Minister Zameer urged for the reform of existing multilateral frameworks that limit developing nations’ access to concessional financing and debt relief.
The Minister also stressed the urgent need for climate justice, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which are disproportionately affected by the consequences of climate change. “Climate justice is not merely a demand; it is a necessity for the survival of SIDS, the Global South, and the world at large,” he declared, calling for swift and decisive international action.
Focus on Equitable Development and Cooperation
Additionally, Minister Zameer emphasized the importance of equitable access to digital tools, which are vital for redefining and achieving the development goals of the Global South. He advocated for enhanced South-South and triangular cooperation as essential mechanisms to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Summit Overview
The Voice of Global South Summit, an initiative introduced by India during its G20 presidency, aims to amplify the voices of non-G20 Member States, particularly those in the Global South. The one-day summit, inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, featured ten thematic sessions at the ministerial level. The Foreign Ministers’ session, chaired by India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, included participation from the Foreign Ministers of Brunei, Cambodia, Cuba, Iraq, Lao PDR, Lesotho, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Panama, Solomon Islands, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Tuvalu.
Conclusion
Minister Zameer’s remarks at the summit underscore the Maldives’ continued dedication to addressing critical issues such as debt relief, climate change, and equitable development. His call to action highlights the importance of international cooperation among Global South nations to achieve these goals.
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