25.09.2025

GLOBAL SOUTH COOPERATION

Context

At UNGA (United Nations General Assembly), S. Jaishankar emphasized Global South concerns, representing developing nations of Asia, Africa, and Latin America—85% of humanity. Coined in 1969, the term replaced the derogatory “Third World.” The Brandt Line symbolizes Global North-South disparities.

Defining the Global North and South

• Global North: Advanced economies such as the United States, European Union nations, Australia, and New Zealand, which dominate world trade, finance, and governance.
   
• Global South: Developing or emerging economies located primarily in Asia, Africa, and South America, representing the demographic and cultural majority of the planet.
   

This dichotomy remains central to debates about fairness, representation, and equity in global governance.

Issues of Global Governance and Power Imbalance

1. Dominance of Developed Nations
    International organizations (IOs) are heavily influenced by developed countries, creating an imbalance in decision-making.
    
2. UN Security Council Representation
    Despite being home to the majority of the world’s population, the Global South lacks permanent representation on the UNSC. Entire regions like Africa, and rising powers like India and Brazil, remain excluded from permanent membership.
    
3. Climate Change Burden
    Developed nations, responsible for much of the historical carbon emissions, now pressure developing countries to curb pollution without adequate support for their developmental needs.
    
4. Weakening of International Institutions
    Bodies such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization (WTO) face funding shortages, credibility crises, and political roadblocks. For example, U.S. obstruction has stalled appointments of WTO judges, weakening the dispute resolution system.
    
5. Disproportionate Impact of Global Crises
    
   • COVID-19 Pandemic: Disrupted economies and exposed healthcare gaps in developing nations.
      
   • Wars: The Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Gaza war disproportionately harmed food security, fuel prices, and supply chains in the Global South.
      
   • Climate Change: Rising sea levels, floods, and extreme weather events hit developing nations hardest, despite their lower contribution to global emissions.
      

India’s Leadership Role in the Global South

India has positioned itself as a voice and bridge for the Global South, often referred to as “Vishwa Mitra” (Friend of the World). Its diplomatic initiatives highlight solidarity among developing nations and demand greater equity in global institutions.

Key Initiatives:

• Voice of Global South Platform: India consistently advocates for the needs of developing countries in international forums, amplifying their concerns about climate finance, trade equity, and representation.
   
• Global South Summit: India hosted major summits in 2023 and 2024 alongside the UNGA, bringing together leaders from like-minded developing countries to discuss shared challenges and opportunities.
   

Representation at the Global South Summit

The summit highlighted cross-continental unity, with participation from:

• Asia (9 nations): Bahrain, Indonesia, Qatar, Singapore, Vietnam, and others.
   
• Africa (6 nations): Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco, Chad, Lesotho, and Somalia.
   
• Latin America and the Caribbean (5 nations): Cuba, Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Saint Lucia.
   

This diverse representation underscored the shared aspiration for a fairer international order.

Strategic Importance of Global South Cooperation

• Economic Solidarity: Collective bargaining power in trade, energy, and technology.
   
• Political Influence: Pressure for reforms in the UNSC and other global governance systems.
   
• Climate Justice: Coordinated push for climate finance, adaptation technologies, and recognition of historical emissions responsibility.
   
• Cultural Bridge: Strengthening people-to-people ties, linguistic diversity, and shared development models rooted in local traditions.
   

Conclusion

Global South cooperation marks a shift toward equity and shared development in global politics. India, as a leading advocate, amplifies developing nations’ voices for reforms in governance and climate, seeking recognition and equal participation in world affairs.