United Global South Forum

In a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical alliances and shifting power dynamics, the question that looms large is: ‘Why does the United Nations, an institution that promises inclusivity, fail to represent the world’s most populous country — India?’ India, home to over 1.4 billion people, accounts for nearly 17% of the global population, yet it remains absent from the permanent membership of the UN Security Council (UNSC). How can an institution claim to uphold global governance without adequately representing the voices of the Global South?

As the world’s largest democracy and a rising economic power, India has consistently sought a permanent seat at the UNSC. However, instead of perpetually chasing this elusive seat, India could seize a more revolutionary and bolder step: the creation of an alternative platform that addresses the needs of the underrepresented countries of the Global South, forming a new world order that is truly representative and equitable.

The Case for an Alternative to the United Nations

The United Nations, formed after World War II, was primarily designed to cater to the political and economic landscapes of that time. The UNSC's structure, particularly the five permanent members — the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China — reflects a bygone era when Europe and North America dominated global affairs. Over time, the world has evolved, but the UN has failed to reform itself to keep pace with these changes. Today, the global power structure is far more multipolar, with emerging economies from Asia, Africa, and Latin America playing significant roles on the world stage.

India, despite its immense population and rising influence in global politics, remains outside the elite decision-making circles of the UN. This exclusion raises profound questions about the fairness of global governance mechanisms. The UNSC continues to favor Western interests, often sidelining the voices of emerging powers. The constant veto powers enjoyed by the five permanent members create a situation where real global consensus is often stymied.

The Vision for the ‘United Global South Forum’ (UGSF)

India could initiate a movement to create the ‘United Global South Forum (UGSF),’ an international organization headquartered in India, which would act as a counterweight to the UN. The UGSF would provide a platform for the Global South — a collective term for countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania — to come together and address their concerns on equal footing. The forum would foster cooperation on matters such as economic development, climate change, conflict resolution, and global trade, creating an inclusive space where smaller nations have a voice as significant as that of more powerful nations.

The UGSF could serve as a collective platform, much like the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War, but with more modern relevance and influence. By engaging nations such as Brazil, South Africa, Vietnam, Greece, the UAE, and Australia, India could create a body that emphasizes collective development, sustainable growth, and strategic partnerships for the future.

Key Features of the UGSF

1. Inclusivity & Representation: Unlike the current UN model, which reserves special privileges for five permanent members, the UGSF would be built on equal representation, ensuring that no one country can dominate the decision-making process. The forum would be composed of member states from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and economic statuses, ensuring fair participation for all.
    
2.  Focus on Global South Priorities: The UGSF would prioritize issues that affect the Global South, such as poverty eradication, infrastructure development, equitable trade policies, and access to healthcare and education. The Western-centric focus of many international organizations often neglects these pressing issues, making a case for the Global South to come together and find solutions that benefit their populations.
    
3. Rotational Leadership: To avoid dominance by a few powerful nations, the UGSF could implement a rotational leadership system, allowing member countries to take turns in leading the organization. This would ensure fresh perspectives and give smaller nations a chance to steer global discussions.
    
4. Dispute Resolution: The UGSF would offer an impartial platform for resolving international disputes, free from the influence of major powers. Its mandate would be to mediate conflicts while ensuring that both developed and developing nations have an equal voice in determining outcomes.
    
5. Economic Collaboration & Resource Sharing: A key area of focus would be fostering partnerships for economic growth, with particular emphasis on infrastructure development, technology transfer, and fair-trade practices. UGSF could establish frameworks for collaborative ventures between member states, reducing dependency on traditional Western-dominated financial institutions like the World Bank and the IMF.

The Need for the ‘United Global South Forum’ (UGSF)

Why does the world need a UGSF? The current global governance structures have failed to address the concerns of the majority of the world’s population. The Global South, consisting of nations that have traditionally been underrepresented, continues to grapple with developmental challenges, economic inequality, and climate change, often bearing the brunt of decisions made by wealthy nations. Furthermore, institutions like the UN continue to reflect an outdated power structure, where Western and European countries have disproportionate influence over global affairs.

While India has sought a permanent seat on the UNSC, the larger question looms: ‘Why should India wait for inclusion in an outdated structure when it can lead the creation of a new, more just, and inclusive organization?’ A UGSF, led by India, would symbolize the beginning of a new chapter in global governance — one that acknowledges the changing geopolitical landscape and addresses the concerns of all nations, not just the powerful few.

Challenges & Concerns

While the idea of the UGSF is compelling, there are challenges:

• Gaining Consensus: Convincing other nations, especially traditional allies of the West, to join an alternative forum might take time and diplomatic finesse. The UGSF would need to clearly differentiate itself from existing bodies like the UN or BRICS to attract genuine membership.
   
• Financial & Logistical Infrastructure: Setting up a new international body requires a strong financial foundation. India, as the leader, would need to provide the initial infrastructure and secure funding from other member states.
    
• Global Recognition: The UGSF would need to prove itself as a credible alternative, capable of resolving global issues. This would require garnering support not only from Global South countries but also from influential powers like the EU, which might be open to supporting a more balanced global platform.

Global Precedents & Examples

India can look towards other global organizations that have tried to balance the global order:

• African Union: A regional body that focuses on African-specific issues while fostering economic, political, and social unity across the continent.
   
• ASEAN: A Southeast Asian political and economic bloc that focuses on regional integration and cooperation without being overly influenced by Western superpowers.
   
• The European Union: A successful example of how nations with shared values can come together to address issues of mutual importance, demonstrating that a unified organization can create substantial benefits for its member states.

Final Thoughts: A ‘New World Order’ on India’s Horizon

What if India didn’t need to chase a seat at the UNSC table? What if it could build a new table altogether? The United Global South Forum (UGSF) offers India the opportunity to lead a new global order — one where fairness, inclusivity, and collaboration take precedence. The time has come for India, and the Global South, to assert their rightful place in global governance. By spearheading a new international organization, India can pave the way for a future where all nations — big and small, developed and developing — have a voice and a stake in the world’s future. The creation of the UGSF would mark the dawn of a new era, where the shackles of historical bias are cast aside in favor of an equitable global society.