The Global South, representing approximately 40 percent of the global GDP and 85 percent of the world's population, is increasingly shaping the future of international affairs. As the BRICS countries gather for their annual summit in Kazan, Russia, the pressing issues of developing nations take center stage.
In a significant move toward collaborative development, the International Department of the Communist Party of China\u2019s 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. The event brought together representatives from 40 think tanks across Global South countries to deliberate on global development amidst an era of rapid change and uncertainty.
During the forum, attendees signed the Initiative of Global South Think Tanks to Jointly Build a Prosperous World with a Shared Future. This initiative aims to harness the collective expertise of these think tanks, fostering synergy to accelerate development, prosperity, fairness, and justice across Global South nations.
Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, highlighted the pivotal role of the Global South in driving a new, inclusive form of globalization. He emphasized its contribution to establishing an equitable and orderly multipolar world and its advocacy for increased democracy in international relations. \"China remains committed to standing united with other Global South countries, shoulder responsibilities, and playing a proactive role in global affairs,\" Liu stated.
Shen Haixiong, President of CMG, echoed these sentiments, noting the rising influence of the Global South in shaping global governance. \"China champions the cause of the Global South, actively exploring development paths and contributing valuable insights and strengths to enhance global governance,\" Shen remarked.
Erik Solheim, former Under-Secretary-General of the UN and Co-Chair of the Europe-Asia Center, praised the emergence of the Global South. \"The rise of the Global South is a tremendously positive development, ushering in a fairer and greener world,\" he commented.
Geeganage Weerasinghe, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka, underscored the significance of South-South cooperation. He highlighted major initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative as catalysts for mutually beneficial cooperation among Global South nations.
Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy, Vice President of the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, highlighted the diversity of the Global South as its greatest strength. \"In diversity lies immense opportunity,\" she stated, emphasizing how varied backgrounds foster innovation and resilience.
Shared historical experiences, such as colonialism, drive many Global South countries to seek independent policies while collaborating to tackle contemporary challenges like conflicts, climate change, poverty, and energy insecurities. Unified efforts among developing nations pave the way for a safer and more prosperous future.
Concrete outcomes of such cooperation are evident in initiatives like China's investments in Brazil's clean energy sector. According to Larissa Wachholz, a senior fellow at the Brazilian Center for International Relations, Brazil is the fourth-largest destination for Chinese direct investment, with 50 percent directed toward hydro, wind, and solar energy projects essential for both energy and ecological transitions.
Grzegorz W. Kolodko, Poland's former Deputy Prime Minister, emphasized that the concept of the \"Global South\" revolves around mutual understanding, respect, and equitable cooperation with developed countries. This foundation ensures development on a level playing field and fosters shared growth.
As the BRICS summit commences, the Global South leverages this platform to voice its concerns, address challenges, and collaborate towards shared prosperity and a brighter future for all.
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Global South united for an inclusive, equitable and shared prosperity
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