As leaders and policymakers gather for the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025, a critical question shapes discussions: Can the Global South craft a unified vision for modernization? Against a backdrop of shifting global power dynamics, nations across Asia and beyond are leveraging regional cooperation to redefine development paradigms.
Emerging economies like China, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia now account for over half of global GDP in purchasing power parity terms, according to 2024 estimates. The China-Europe Railway Express symbolizes this transformation – its network linking 220 cities across 25 countries exemplifies infrastructure-driven economic integration reshaping supply chains.
‘The Global South is no longer content with being rule-takers,’ noted analysts during preliminary sessions. With 42% of global GDP originating from these nations, their focus on sustainable growth models and technology-driven innovation challenges traditional development frameworks.
While political turbulence affects Western economies, Asian nations are deepening cooperation through mechanisms like trilateral China-Japan-ROK dialogues. The BFA’s emphasis on climate-resilient development and digital infrastructure reflects priorities distinct from older multilateral institutions.
Decentralized supply chains and renewable energy partnerships are creating new economic corridors. However, experts caution that overcoming disparities in technological capacity and financing mechanisms remains critical to sustaining momentum.
As the forum progresses, questions persist: Can diverse political systems align modernization goals? Will infrastructure investments translate into equitable growth? While challenges remain, the collective determination to reshape global economic architecture appears stronger than ever.
