Zameer calls for greater cooperation to accelerate small states

Maldives foreign minister Moosa Zameer on Saturday urged for enhanced cooperation within and beyond the Global South to expedite progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The call was made during his remarks at the foreign ministers’ session of the Third Voice of the Global South Summit, convened virtually by India under the theme, "Charting a New Paradigm for Global South."

Zameer acknowledged India’s leadership during its G20 presidency and the positive outcomes for both G20 countries and the Global South.

He emphasised that debt obligations remain a significant barrier to sustainable development, particularly in building resilience.

The minister called for urgent reforms in multilateral frameworks that currently limit access to concessional financing or debt support.

Highlighting the need for climate justice, Zameer noted the critical importance for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the Global South, and the world at large.

He also underscored the necessity of equitable access to digital tools, which are essential for shaping the development pathways of the Global South.

Zameer emphasised that strengthened South-South and triangular cooperation are crucial for accelerating progress towards achieving the SDGs.

The Voice of the Global South Summit, an initiative by India during its G20 presidency, provides a platform for non-G20 member states, particularly those from the Global South.

The one-day event, inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, featured 10 thematic sessions at the ministerial level.

The foreign ministers’ session was chaired by India’s Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar, and was attended by representatives from Brunei, Cambodia, Cuba, Iraq, Lao PDR, Lesotho, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Panama, Solomon Islands, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Tuvalu.