Global South unites: Collaborative path to common development and security

LAST October 18, I had the opportunity to serve as a panel speaker at the high-level Global South Think Tank Forum in Beijing, China. The forum, themed "Peace·Development·Security: Jointly Building a Prosperous World with a Shared Future," provided a critical platform for discussing collaborative pathways toward global prosperity and collective security, with a focus on enhancing cooperation among nations in the Global South.

The forum aimed to unite influential voices from across the Global South to deliberate on pivotal issues ahead of this year's Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, later joined by Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates) summit, fostering dialogue on constructing a more secure and prosperous global future. It underscored the vital role that Global South countries now play in shaping the international landscape. As a key platform for exchanging ideas, the forum facilitated discussions on addressing pressing security challenges, promoting economic growth and achieving sustainable prosperity through enhanced cooperation in an increasingly complex global environment. Central themes included the challenges and opportunities facing the Global South, its active engagement in global governance, the strategic advancement of South-South cooperation, and how technological innovation and cultural exchange can foster mutual trust and collaboration.