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By Foday Moriba Conteh
India hosted the Third (3rd) Edition of Voice of Global South Summit which was held on 17 August 2024 virtually, with the theme, “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future”. The Inaugural Leaders’ Session of the Summit was chaired by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. In addition, there were 10 Ministerial Sessions in the Summit.
H.E. Dr. Eldred Taylor, Deputy Minister I of Energy of the Republic of Sierra Leone participated in the Energy Minister’s Session of the Summit with the theme: “Sustainable Energy Solutions for a Sustainable Future” chaired by Pankaj Jain, Vice Minister / Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, whereas Hon’ble Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation of Sierra Leone, Ibrahim Sannoh participated in the Information and Technology Ministers’ Session of the Summit, chaired by Shri S Krishnan, Vice Minister / Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India, with the theme: “DPIs for Development- A Global South Approach.”
Addressing the Ministers/Vice Ministers of various countries participating in the Energy Session, Hon. Deputy Minister of Energy I said that the Government of Sierra Leone was of the firm conviction that sustainable solutions must be at the forefront of energy transition efforts. He mentioned that President Julius Maada Bio as Minister of Energy was more than interested in the theme of the summit, adding that Sierra Leone, like many countries in the Global South, was faced with significant challenges in achieving energy security.
“As we grapple with volatile market dynamics, an infrastructure deficit and the impacts of climate change, the path to resilient and inclusive energy future requires strategic efforts and innovative solutions,” he said. Dr Taylor spoke about the challenges faced by the energy sector in Sierra Leone, noting that the inadequate and mostly outdated infrastructure limits access to reliable energy, particularly in the rural areas.
“To address these challenges, collaborative efforts are essential. Regional and international partnerships, especially South-South collaboration can play a crucial role in bridging the infrastructure gap, “Dr. Taylor stated, adding that, since 2017, they have had a $78 million 225KV Transmission Line project with the help of EXIM Bank of India.
The Deputy Minister of Energy l told the session that sustainable resource allocation was vital for creating a resilient energy system while also highlighting the various strides that have been made in Sierra Leone through investments in renewable energy sources.
He spoke about advancements in energy transition and innovative models, building resilient supply chains and capacity, mitigating climate-related risks, impact of geopolitical dynamics, adoption of circular economy principles and leveraging low-cost financing. “Addressing Sierra Leone’s energy challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes strategic investments, innovative models and collaborative efforts,” he concluded.
Addressing the Information and Technology Ministers’ Session of the Summit with the theme, “DPIs for Development- A Global South Approach”, Hon’ble Deputy Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation of Sierra Leone, Ibrahim Sannoh elaborated on the advancements of Sierra Leone in the field of digital infrastructure . Mentioning about the MoU between India and Sierra Leone on “Cooperation in the Field of Sharing Successful Digital Solutions Implemented at Population Scale for Digital Transformation (India Stack)”, he called for India’s cooperation in developing a robust digital infrastructure in Salone. The Hon’ble Deputy Minister appreciated India for organizing the third edition of the Summit, providing a platform to the countries of the Global South where they can talk about their successes and challenges being faced by these countries.
The Voice of Global South Summit is an initiative of the Government of India aimed at providing a common platform for the countries of Global South to share their perspectives and priorities. India hosted the 1st Edition of Voice of Global South Summit on 12-13 January 2023 with the theme: ‘Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose’ and the Second Edition of the Summit on 17 November 2024 with the theme: “Together, for Everyone’s Growth, with Everyone’s Trust”.
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