The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Moosa Zameer, has called for urgent international action on debt relief and climate justice during the Foreign Ministers’ Session of the Third Voice of the Global South Summit, hosted virtually by the Government of India yesterday. The summit, held under the theme “Charting a New Paradigm for Global South,” provided a platform for non-G20 nations to voice their concerns and aspirations.
In his remarks, Minister Zameer praised India’s leadership during its Group of 20 (G20) presidency, particularly for initiatives that have positively impacted both G20 countries and the Global South. He highlighted the growing burden of debt obligations as a significant barrier to sustainable development, especially in the context of building resilience against global challenges. Zameer urged for the reform of multilateral frameworks that currently restrict access to concessional financing and debt support for developing nations.
The Minister also emphasised the critical need for climate justice, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which are disproportionately affected by climate change. “Climate justice is not just a demand; it is a necessity for the survival of SIDS, the Global South, and the world at large,” he stated, urging the international community to act with greater urgency.
Furthermore, Minister Zameer highlighted the importance of equitable access to digital tools, which are essential for redefining and achieving the development goals of the Global South. He advocated for enhanced South-South and triangular cooperation as key mechanisms to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Voice of Global South Summit, an initiative launched by India during its G20 presidency, was designed 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.
Minister Zameer’s remarks at the summit reflect the Maldives’ ongoing commitment to addressing the pressing issues of debt, climate change, and equitable development, while reinforcing the importance of cooperation among Global South nations.
