At the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Chinese Premier Li Qiang unveiled plans for a groundbreaking 'Digital South' initiative aimed at fostering equitable technological development across the Global South. This follows China's call for a Global Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization during July's World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, signaling a push for inclusive AI governance.
Collaboration Over Competition
The 'Digital South' framework seeks to transform the AI divide into shared prosperity through capacity-building programs, technology transfers, and infrastructure investments. Analysts suggest this could reshape South-South cooperation under China's Global Development Initiative (GDI), particularly in emerging economies across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
From Vision to Implementation
Key focus areas include developing ethical AI standards, creating regional innovation hubs, and establishing digital skills training programs. The initiative comes as developing countries seek alternatives to Western-dominated tech ecosystems, with China positioning itself as a partner in 'non-ideological' technological progress.
Viewers can explore these developments further in CGTN's special program A Digital South Together, airing August 5 at 11:15 Beijing Time.
