President Muhammadu Buhari has encouraged leaders of the Global South to collaborate on a single agenda to decrease the region’s growing debt and inflation.
Addressing the Global South Virtual Summit, the President expressed hope that the summit, hosted by India as the voice of the South, will address challenges such as climate change, food security, and energy access.
‘‘This huge debt burden has significantly derailed many countries’ development plans. The effect of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia/Ukraine conflict has further aggravated the situation.
‘‘In this regard, I wish to advise fellow leaders to agree on a common agenda to enable us to put forward our collective demands to the Global North through India as voice of the South.
‘‘I would urge India to further intensify efforts to facilitate the flow of Foreign Direct Investment to the Global South using its leverage as President of G20,’’ the Nigerian leader said.
President Buhari expressed gratitude to India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, for inviting him to attend in the Summit, noting that the Global South was driven by historical linkages and a sense of genuine solidarity in pursuit of bridging the gap between the South and the North.
He commended the idea to hold the conference named “The Voice of the Global South,” with the theme: Unity of Voice and Unity of Purpose.
The President hailed India’s emergence as a voice of the Global South, considering the country’s role during its two-year terms at the United Nations Security Council and the humanitarian gesture it extended during the Covid-19 pandemic.
‘‘Excellencies, it is in line with the vision of One Earth, One Family, One Future that India calls for this Summit, bringing together leaders of the South to share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform ahead of the G20 Summit later this year.
‘‘Nigeria is in full support of this noble initiative and hope that the outcome of the Summit will be given top priority at the G20 meetings,’’ President Buhari said.
Leaders of India, Kazakhstan, Ecuador, Ghana, Sri Lanka, Suriname and Peru also delivered statements at the Summit.
