In recent months, two landmark gatherings have set the stage for a new era of digital collaboration. In July 2025, the World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance took place in Shanghai on the Chinese mainland, where officials called for the creation of a Global Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization.
Earlier this year at the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Chinese Premier Li Qiang unveiled the Digital South brand under the Global Development Initiative (GDI). This pledge aims to supercharge capacity building and digital infrastructure across developing nations, turning technological promise into shared prosperity.
Three Pillars for a Unified Digital South
- Connectivity and Infrastructure: Expanding high-speed networks and cloud services to reach underserved regions.
- Skills and Capacity Building: Launching training programs and knowledge exchanges to bridge the AI skills gap.
- Inclusive Governance: Crafting policies that ensure equitable access, ethical AI use, and open data partnerships.
Bringing the Digital South to life requires cooperation across governments, industry leaders, academia, and civil society. By aligning on shared goals and pooling resources, stakeholders can turn individual initiatives into a cohesive movement for inclusive growth.
As the global community prepares for a high-level dialogue on August 5, voices from every corner of the Global South will be crucial in shaping a roadmap that leaves no one behind.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
