Jaishankar Hosts High-Level Global South Meeting, Calls for Stronger Multilateralism and South-South Cooperation
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar chaired a High-Level Meeting of Like-Minded Global South countries in New York on Tuesday, held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80). The gathering aimed to strengthen solidarity, enhance cooperation, and reinforce multilateral efforts among developing nations.
The discussions focused on shared challenges and priorities, including climate justice, digital transformation, and the urgent need to reform multilateral institutions. The meeting reflected a growing consensus among Global South nations on the importance of reshaping international systems to better represent their voices and needs.
Taking to social media platform X, Jaishankar wrote, “Delighted to host the High-Level Meeting of Like-Minded Global South Countries in New York today on the sidelines of UNGA80. In the face of the proliferation of concerns and the multiplicity of risks, it is natural that the Global South turn to multilateralism for solutions.”
He emphasized the need to utilise existing platforms to foster stronger consultations and collaboration among Global South nations. India, he said, brings valuable contributions in areas like vaccines, digital infrastructure, education, agriculture, and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
On climate change, Jaishankar urged the Global South to take the lead in crafting initiatives tailored to their needs rather than accepting narratives defined by the Global North. He also highlighted the potential of emerging technologies—particularly artificial intelligence (AI)—and pushed for comprehensive reforms in global institutions, including the United Nations.
Speaking to the complex global environment, Jaishankar pointed to the aftermath of COVID-19, ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, extreme climate events, volatile trade conditions, and unpredictable financial trends. He stressed that the rights and expectations of developing nations—built over decades—are now under pressure.
“The very foundation of multilateralism is under threat,” he warned. “International organisations are being weakened and underfunded. The global order is fraying, and the cost of delaying critical reforms is becoming increasingly evident.”
To address these challenges, Jaishankar called for a united front from the Global South, advocating for transparent economic systems, robust trade and investment links, resilient supply chains, and deeper technological cooperation.
He also underlined the need to resolve conflicts affecting food, fertiliser, and energy security and to harness digital technology for inclusive development, including digital public infrastructure and fair market access.
During his visit, Jaishankar also held bilateral meetings with several foreign ministers, including Vivian Balakrishnan of Singapore, Alva Baptiste of St. Lucia, Ritish Ramful of Mauritius, and David van Weel from the Netherlands.
