The Global South, representing roughly 40% of the global GDP and 85% of the world’s population, is ascending in global affairs. As the BRICS nations prepare for their annual summit in the Russian city of Kazan, issues pivotal to developing countries are taking center stage.
On this occasion, the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the China Media Group (CMG) jointly hosted the “Peace · Development · Security: Jointly Build a Prosperous World with a Shared Future” Global South Think Tanks Forum. Representatives from 40 think tanks across Global South countries convened to discuss the future of global development amid an era of significant change and turbulence.
During the forum, attendees signed and released the Initiative of Global South Think Tanks to Jointly Build a Prosperous World with a Shared Future. This initiative aims to leverage the strengths of these think tanks to foster collaboration and synergy, propelling Global South countries forward on the path toward development, prosperity, fairness, and justice.
Liu Jianchao, minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, highlighted that the Global South has become a vital driving force for a new type of globalization—one that is universally beneficial and inclusive. He emphasized that it provides a strong foundation for an equal and orderly multipolar world and stands as a steadfast force for greater democracy in international relations. “Going into the future, China will stand united with other Global South countries as always to shoulder the responsibility and play a role,” Liu affirmed.
CMG President Shen Haixiong echoed these sentiments, noting that the Global South is on the rise and becoming a major force for change in shaping a new order of global governance. He stated that China champions the cause of the Global South, actively explores development paths for these nations, and contributes wisdom and strength to improving global governance.
Former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Co-Chair of the Europe-Asia Center, Erik Solheim, remarked that the rise of the Global South is an “enormous positive development.” “It will be a much fairer world, a much greener world,” he said.
Geeganage Weerasinghe, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka, emphasized the importance of South-South cooperation. “The Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative are major initiatives,” he said, adding that they “strengthen Global South cooperation, which is a win-win cooperation.”
Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy, Vice President of the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, highlighted the diversity of the Global South as its “beauty.” “In diversity, there’s a lot of opportunity,” she noted.
For many Global South countries, colonialism was a shared historical experience. These nations seek to remain independent in their policies while pursuing opportunities to advance. With the world facing conflicts, global warming, poverty, and food and energy insecurities, uniting developing countries could pave a safer and smoother path toward common development.
Over the years, cooperation based on each country’s unique strengths and needs has yielded concrete results. Larissa Wachholz, a senior fellow at the Brazilian Center for International Relations, pointed out that Brazil is the fourth-largest destination of Chinese direct investment globally, with most investments directed toward Brazil’s energy sector—50% in the clean energy sector. “We are talking about investments in hydro, wind, and solar that are very important, not only for the energy transition that we have been trying to develop until now but also for the ecological transition as a whole for the years to come,” Wachholz said.
Diversity fosters equity. Poland’s former Deputy Prime Minister, Grzegorz W. Kolodko, remarked that the concept of the “Global South” is born from countries seeking mutual understanding and respect, wishing to develop alongside developed countries on equitable terms and a level playing field.
As the BRICS summit commences, the Global South is poised to use this platform to voice its issues, understand challenges, and collaborate for shared prosperity and a better future.
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Global South united for an inclusive, equitable and shared prosperity
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