India hosts 3rd Voice of Global South Summit: Lebanon’s Finance Minister advocates for unity and peace

Finance Minister of Lebanon H.E. Dr. Youssef El Khalil participated in the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS) held virtually on 17 August 2024 . The theme for the Finance Ministers' Session is 'People-Centric Approach to Global Finance'. The Summit had an inaugural session chaired by Prime Minister of India HE Mr Narendra Modi during which he said, 'VOGSS is a platform where we are giving voice to the needs and aspirations of those who were kept unheard. Our strength lies in our unity and we will move in new direction.' During his remarks, FM Dr. Khalil thanked India's Finance Minister HE Mrs Nirmala Sitharaman for inviting him to participate in the Session and to express Lebanon's voice in the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit. He stated that, 'This south-south cooperation is an enriching platform for our countries to reflect on shared challenges and move our development policy priorities up the global agendas.' He also said, 'I cease this platform to raise our voice for peace, for humanity, and I cal l on the international community to exert all efforts to put an end to this devastating war in the region, and promote peaceful settlement; the livelihood of our populations is at the core of our debate today on humanity's shared goals and challenges and the empowerment of a global south.' The 1st VOGSS was held on 12-13 January 2023 which was also attended by FM Dr Khalil. 2nd VOGSS was held in November 2023. Source: National news agency - Lebanon