Maldives Calls for Enhanced Global South Cooperation to Achieve SDGs

The Government has called for stronger cooperation within the Global South and beyond to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

This appeal was made by the Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Moosa Zameer, during his address at the Foreign Ministers’ Session of the Third Voice of the Global South Summit, convened virtually by the Government of India.

advertisement

https://x.com/MoFAmv/status/1824748758657360108

Speaking at the summit, which was held under the theme “Charting a New Paradigm for the Global South,” Minister Zameer emphasised the pressing need to deliver climate justice for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the Global South, and the world at large. He highlighted the critical importance of equitable access to digital tools, which are essential for redefining and realising development pathways in the Global South. The Minister also underscored that enhanced South-South and triangular cooperation is vital for accelerating progress towards the SDGs.

Minister Zameer praised India’s leadership during its G20 presidency, acknowledging the positive impact of its initiatives on both G20 countries and the broader Global South. He also pointed out that debt obligations pose a significant barrier to sustainable development, particularly in building resilience, and called for urgent reforms to multilateral frameworks that currently limit access to concessional financing or debt relief.

The Voice of the Global South Summit, initiated by India during its G20 presidency, aims to provide a platform for non-G20 member states, especially those from 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 was chaired by India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar.