ORF-hosted event “South Rising: Partnerships, Institutions, and Ideas”

[23 September 2023, 1900-2100 hrs; Mandarin Hotel]

Remarks by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj

Permanent Representative of India to the UN

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Ladies and Gentlemen,

Distinguished Guests,

I extend a warm welcome to this Ministerial conversation titled "South Rising: Partnerships, Institutions, and Ideas," an event of paramount significance.

In our ever-evolving world order, we find ourselves amidst a dynamic landscape. Old conflicts in Europe have resurfaced, prompting crucial discussions. The Indo-Pacific, with its vision of openness and freedom, faces intricate challenges. The global response to the health crisis has cast shadows over multilateral cooperation, affecting not just global health but also the broader domains of development and climate change. Multilateral institutions, once bastions of collaboration, grapple with addressing contemporary challenges effectively.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi eloquently expressed at the Voice of Global South Summit in January 2023, "Most global challenges have not been created by the Global South, but they affect us more." This poignant statement underscores the imperative for the Global South to be active participants in shaping global decisions.

India's bold proposal to include the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 mirrors the sentiment prevailing in the Global South. It underscores that peace, prosperity, and stability in the 21st century demand the presence of Global South voices at the decision-making table.

Throughout our G20 Presidency, India has initiated a series of impactful measures that seek to centralize Global South priorities in the international policy dialogue. Our G20 agenda champions substantial multilateral reforms, the pursuit of an equitable global trade system, green transitions, digital public infrastructure, sustainable lifestyles, and, most notably, women-led development.

The overarching theme of our G20 Presidency, "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future," succinctly encapsulates our aspirations and objectives.

Foremost among our goals is to work tirelessly for the betterment of global citizens, with a special emphasis on the development of countries and communities. Our development paradigm is rooted in human-centric principles. As our Prime Minister affirmed, "Together, we must endeavor to reshape global political and financial governance. This can rectify inequalities, broaden opportunities, foster growth, and disseminate progress and prosperity." Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to identify pragmatic, scalable, and sustainable solutions capable of transforming our societies and economies.

In conclusion, I wish to express my gratitude to the Honorable Ministers, US Representatives, Excellencies, and all our distinguished guests for gracing this evening's event. We are honored to host this vital conversation in partnership with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), the UN Office in India, and the Reliance Foundation.

Thank you!