The conference on Global South and Global Governance for Life session concludes in G-20 with a resolution by Global South countries to go for solving environmental challenges whereas India considered Global South’s priorities as India’s priority.

Bhopal: January 17, 2023. Climate change and imbalances in the world are the ironies that stem from hafazard development. Despite the negligible contribution of Global South countries in this imbalance, significant efforts are being made by them to deal with them. Moderator and Vice Chancellor Rishihood University, Sonepat, Prof. Shobhit Mathur presiding over the “Round Table on Global South and Global Governance for Life” session on the last day of G-20’s special Think 20 program, said that the Global South is the voice of India and the priorities of the Global South are India’s priorities. For an environmental-friendly lifestyle, there should be such simple, easy criteria, moral values, and global good governance that can bring positive changes in our society.

The panelists included Dr. Fahmida Khatoon, Executive Director, Center for Policy Dialogue, Bangladesh; Dr. Gladys Lechni, Senior Investigator, National Council for Scientific and Technical Research, Argentina; Dr. Wisnu Utomo, Director, Foreign Policy and International Development Cooperation, Indonesia; and Pamla Gopal, Lead Coordinator, Policy Bridge Tank Program, South Africa.

Dr. Khatun said that the issues of governance have become very significant due to the cooperation and coordination between the nations. The varying aspirations of all nations often create a consensus challenge. There is a need to pay attention to it for dealing with environmental challenges. An efficient environmental governance system involves local communities and encourages agreements between all stakeholders.

Dr. Gladys Lechney states that mainstream American theories have influenced Latin American thought and development policies primarily because of wealth. The need of the hour today is to build the voice of the local and southern nations. Local knowledge should be given priority to solve local challenges. He said that G-20 is a multilateral forum that works toward this direction. We have to move towards solutions using tools like IPSA. We want to create a leadership that also believes in sustainable production and consumption.

Dr. Pamla Gopal said that it is important to use existing knowledge systems to provide advisory services to the government. We also need to act as a facilitator in the process keeping an eye on financial constraints. Africa is playing its part as an assertive and responsible voice on global issues. Along with this, it also aspires to be an active participant in global development processes. Africa with a population of 1.4 billion in 55 countries of the world, accounts for only 3 percent of global carbon emissions. The G-20 is an important forum for the active engagement. India through its presidency should restore its position in global ethics.

Speaking on the change in lifestyle after the Corona pandemic, Dr. Visnu Utomo said that it has affected global economic growth. Climate change and environmental imbalance have also increased in the last 20 years. Our policies should be formulated incorporating resolutions and preparedness. Nations should come together to find solutions to all the burning issues of the world. A responsible lifestyle toward environmental protection should be encouraged.