Saturday, November 18, 2023

Global South under unsustainable debt burden: PM Prachanda

 Kathmandu, Nov. 17

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda said that many countries of the Global South are under unsustainable debt burden which is straining investments in health, education, social justice, and other pressing national priorities.

"The developing countries especially the LDCs (Least Developed Countries) are the most affected ones by these crises. Rising food and energy prices, tightening financial conditions, and persistent cycles of vulnerabilities continue to add to their worries," he said while addressing the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit through virtual means on Friday.

The summit with the theme 'Global South: Together for one future' was organised by India.

PM Prachanda said that the theme of this Leaders’ Session of the Summit is timely and relevant in the present context especially as the nations grapple with a multitude of challenges in a world beset with turbulence.

"We are facing unprecedented crises generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and deepening geo-political complexities. They have impacts on food and nutrition, health and education, economy and environment, and peace and security," said PM Prachanda.

"We believe that in order to address the challenges facing the world, the international community must focus on common goals of peace, progress and prosperity. For this, building of trust, promoting partnership and collaboration and working in solidarity remain crucial," he added. 

According to him, the countries of the Global South need to champion inclusive and sustainable global growth, in which this part of the world receives a fair share to eradicate poverty and give their people a decent life.

The Prime Minister of Nepal reiterated the country's commitment to multilateralism, with the United Nations at the centre while also pointing to the need to of timely reforms in the existing global governance architecture for making it relevant and reflective of current realities.

At the same time, reform of the international financial architecture should be a top priority with full consideration to the voice of the countries in special situation, including LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS, he said.

According to PM Prachanda, climate change remains a grave threat to humanity as climate vulnerable countries like Nepal have been bearing the burden of it.

Stating that the effect of climate change on the Himalayas has posed severe threat to the lives and livelihoods of millions of people living in our region, he urged for the commitment of all to achieving the set ambitions in a time-bound manner.

He also said that Nepal believes that easy access to climate finance is prerequisite to a low-carbon and climate resilient development.

"Hence, we have been calling for an enhanced level of international support from our partners such as development assistance, FDI, trade facilitation, technology transfer and technical assistance," said PM Prachanda. 

 

No comments:

Post a Comment

Featured Story

Govt prepares primary draft of DRR Policy

Kathmandu, Apr. 29: The government has prepared the preliminary report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Policy and Strategic ...