Raphael Oni
The Global South, comprising 40% of the global GDP and 85% of the world’s population, is rising in global prominence. As BRICS countries convene for their annual summit in Kazan, Russia, issues vital to developing nations take center stage.
The International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and China Media Group (CMG) jointly hosted the “Peace · Development · Security: Jointly Build a Prosperous World with Shared Future” Global South Think Tanks Forum. Representatives from 40 Global South think tanks gathered to discuss global development amidst great change and turbulence.
The forum yielded the Initiative of Global South Think Tanks to Jointly Build a Prosperous World with Shared Future. This initiative leverages think tank functions to foster synergy, advancing Global South countries toward development, prosperity, fairness, and justice.
Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, emphasized the Global South’s role in driving inclusive globalization and promoting democracy in international relations. China reaffirms its commitment to standing united with Global South countries.
CMG President Shen Haixiong noted the Global South’s growing influence in shaping global governance. China champions the Global South’s cause, exploring development paths and contributing to improved global governance.
Erik Solheim, Former Under-Secretary-General of the UN, hailed the Global South’s rise as “an enormous positive development” toward a fairer, greener world. Geeganage Weerasinghe, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka, stressed South-South cooperation’s importance.
Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy, Vice President of the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, celebrated the Global South’s diversity. Larissa Wachholz, Senior Fellow at the Brazilian Center for International Relations, highlighted Brazil’s clean energy sector investments.

Poland’s former Deputy Prime Minister Grzegorz W. Kolodko emphasized the Global South’s pursuit of mutual understanding, respect, and equitable development. As BRICS commences its summit, the Global South will utilize this platform to address issues, overcome challenges, and achieve shared prosperity.
In 1955, 29 Asian and African countries, representing 1.5 billion people, gathered in Indonesia to promote economic and cultural cooperation and fight colonialism. This groundbreaking meeting laid the foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement and paved the way for the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership (NAASP) launched 50 years later. Today, it encompasses joint research programs, triangular cooperation, and capacity-building initiatives. Global South cooperation promotes diversity, equity, and shared prosperity. BRICS summit provides a platform for Global South issues and challenges. South-South cooperation strengthens Global South countries.