Statement by India at 25th Meeting of Council of Representatives of South Centre delivered by Ambassador Arindam Bagchi, Permanent Representative of India

Geneva, 8 May 2025

Agenda Item 8: General Statements

His Excellency President Thabo Mbeki, Chairperson of the Board

Ambassador Ajit Kumar, Convener of the Council of Representatives

Esteemed Members of the Board

Professor Carlos Correa, Executive Director

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates

Members of the Secretariat, 

1. 1. At the outset, I congratulate the Centre on its 30th anniversary. I also warmly congratulate Mr. Dinesh Trivedi on his appointment to the Centre’s Board. As a founding member and strong supporter of South Centre’s work, India is honoured to continue to have a member in its Board.

Mr. Chair, Excellencies, 

1. 2. In the past three decades, the South Centre has been a key institution in amplifying the voice of developing countries in global governance fora. The Centre’s research and advocacy across a wide range of issues – climate change, South-South cooperation, health, intellectual property, trade, taxation, development, e-commerce – have made an invaluable contribution.

1. 3. The Centre’s engagement with UN bodies and international organisations, such as UNCTAD, WTO, WIPO, WHO, UNCITRAL etc. has ensured that the perspectives, interests and concerns of developing countries are effectively represented. Its work has brought critical issues to the forefront and highlighted the persistent imbalances in global financial and development relations.

1. 4. India firmly believes that the Global South can and must find its own solutions to challenges. Self-reliance, sharing of best practices, and reform of the multilateral system are essential. The South Centre’s role in these efforts would be critical.

1. 5. We have been reaffirming our commitment to fellow countries of the Global South in the three editions of the Voice of Global South Summit organized by India till now. In the third Summit in August 2024, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the need for Global South countries to speak in one voice and become each other’s strength in articulating our developmental concerns and priorities. Prime Minister also reiterated India’s commitment to share our experiences and capabilities with partner countries, as also reflected in our development cooperation partnerships with over 78 countries. As India advances in digital delivery, emerging tech and AI, green growth, and affordable healthcare, the Global South remains central to our international engagement. We stand ready to share our progress with our partners, as well as learn from their success stories.

Mr. Chair, 

1. 6. My delegation appreciates the reports shared by the Secretariat in preparation of this meeting. We note a small increase in number of member countries contributing this year. We also appreciate the efficiency measures put in place by the management, which has led to some savings. However, we share concerns regarding the decrease in project funding and the overall level of voluntary contributions from member states.

1. 7. Financial stability is crucial for the South Centre's effectiveness. We encourage all member states to fulfill their annual commitments and would also request the Centre to actively seek voluntary contributions from members states. There is also a need to continue looking for suitable project funding as it continues to be an important part of South Centre’s financial portfolio.

1. 8. We should recognize that the capitals may not always fully appreciate the Centre's invaluable guidance, as the policy advocacy work and coalition building done by the South Centre impacts us directly in Geneva. As direct beneficiaries of the Centre’s work, missions in Geneva will have to proactively advocate for adequate funding from their respective capitals.  

1. 9. Apart from having this annual gathering at the CoR level, my delegation would advocate more frequent gatherings of member states by the South Centre here in Geneva and its leadership on funding, efficiency measures and exchange of ideas in informal settings over the course of the year.

1. 10. In today’s world where there is an overall funding crisis across international institutions, it is all the more important to ensure that South Centre’s requirements do not get de-prioritized.

1. 11. Allow me to highlight some other priorities for the Centre’s future:

First, the Centre must continue to adapt based on evolving priorities of developing countries, and in line with the changing global landscape.

Second, the Centre should seek to expand the Centre’s membership and engagement across the Global South, which will also help address funding challenges. The list of 55 member states has been stagnant for some years now and we need to seek more member states.

Third, and most importantly, we need to continuously remind ourselves that South Centre’s success and uniqueness lies in its nature as an Intergovernmental think tank that undertakes policy advocacy for the members of the Global South. This should continue to remain the Centre’s guiding principle, without privileging any particular perspective or view point.

Mr. Chair, 

1. 12. In conclusion, I thank the South Centre team for their diligent work and assure you of India’s continued and constructive support to the Centre.

Thank you.