As the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026 enters its second day in Hainan Province, experts emphasize the growing importance of Global South nations in stabilizing an increasingly volatile world economy. Zhang Donggang, Party secretary of Renmin University of China, declared the rise of these countries an 'irreversible trend' during a sub-forum focused on their global leadership potential.
With this year's theme 'Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation,' the conference has drawn over 2,000 delegates from 60+ countries and regions. Zhang stressed that education systems must evolve to address humanity's pressing challenges, stating: 'When the world asks what is happening and where we are heading, our classrooms hold the answers.'
The forum comes as developing economies contribute 52% of global GDP growth according to recent IMF projections. Over 1,100 journalists are covering the event, which continues through March 27, with multiple sessions dedicated to South-South cooperation mechanisms.
