Enhanced Unity for a Better Future

Benefitting from globalisation and international cooperation, Global South countries have emerged as engines of the global economy, with ever-growing influence in technological innovation, green transition, and global cooperation.

Throwing off the shackles of Western hegemony and colonial ideas, developing countries have recognised the importance of seeking self-reliance and upholding multilateralism. This recognition has driven them to give more importance to having a voice in global governance. Media and think tanks from developing countries agreed to work together to amplify the voice of the Global South in global governance, at the inaugural Global South Media and Think Tank Forum held in São Paulo, Brazil, from 11 to 12 November 2024. They also adopted a declaration.

Amid a new round of technological revolution, the Global South countries are heavily investing in areas like artificial intelligence, renewable energy and biotechnology to accelerate their transition to a more modernised and advanced economy. Empowered by better allocation of resources in emerging industries, the Global South countries have increased their productivity and, more importantly, global competitiveness.

India has actively upgraded its manufacturing industry, and strengthened regulations on new technological fronts like online security, open Internet, artificial intelligence and blockchain by launching the Digital India Act. South Africa has invited bids from global energy companies for renewable-based electricity projects. Brazil, partnering with Chinese companies, has been promoting biomedicine R&D and related sectors, injecting innovation into its biotechnology industry.

With over 70 percent of the global population and a young median age, countries in the Global South are experiencing substantial consumer-driven economic changes. Young consumers in the Global South are shaping a new consumption market featuring high-end goods and services like electronics, tourism and entertainment.

Africa’s young consumers, for example, are early digital adopters who are willing to spend on new technologies and mobile communications. With a growing number of young people who are eager to be at the forefront of new mobile communication trends, the penetration rate of mobile communications in Africa is rising. According to the e-Conomy SEA report, released by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company in November 2024, sales in the e-commerce industry surged by 15 percent year on year to $159 billion in Southeast Asia. Eyeing the ever-larger demand for cross-border e-commerce from young people in the region, international companies are flooding the local e-commerce industry, which is poised to increase the regional revenue stream.

Valuable lessons

In their journey towards modernisation, countries in the Global South, being outward-looking, are drawing inspiration from the experiences of other countries. At the same time, they are also learning from each other to find a unique path that best serves national development.

China’s experience in poverty reduction can provide valuable lessons for emerging countries with significant pockets of poverty. These countries could take field trips to China or exchange ideas online to gain a deeper understanding of China’s practices. Big data and information technologies could also be useful tools for identifying poor people and areas, on the basis of which a dynamic database that updates information in real time could be established to ensure targeted allocation of resources, such as financing. 

The symbiotic relationship between governmental entities and commercial organisations is also pivotal in poverty reduction. Governments can encourage businesses to partner with poor areas through methods such as matching agricultural production with industrial processing, and extending the value chain of agriculture. When reducing poverty through agriculture, countries in the Global South must ensure food security by building modern agricultural systems featuring advanced technologies, sustained supply of farmland, and resilient food stocks.

To increase their share in international trade, countries in the Global South can take three measures. 

The first is to support certain companies in becoming industry leaders that are technologically innovative. Industry leaders with significant influence can help to upgrade value chains by scaling upstream and downstream engagement, and moving other participants forward. With constructive engagement across the entire value chain, a circular business model that is vital to a nation’s overall competitiveness would be established.

The second is to establish sustained partnerships with trading powers through trade agreements and free trade zones. By seeking deeper multilateral and bilateral cooperation, countries in the Global South can take greater advantage of trade liberalisation and facilitation, such as benefitting from lower tariffs and fewer non-tariff barriers.

The third is to promote regional economic integration. Effective strategic economic cooperation among countries in the Global South is not possible without a strong legal framework and an institution responsible for managing and mobilising resources within the area.

It’s necessary to initiate a gradual transition from “rule takers” to “rule makers” in global governance. Instead of becoming a dominator, which could be seen as politically motivated, the Global South should act as a stakeholder in global governance. China, as a key part of the Global South, can advocate for better cohesion in security and development projects and for acting as a unified force on the international stage. Multi-level security cooperation among governments, companies and scholars needs to be enhanced to prevent potential regional risks. With unified actions and a common voice, counties in the Global South are likely to drive changes in the global governance system to make it better respond to their demands and interests.

Wang Heng, Deputy Director, Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University.

Shi Xinyu, Research Assistant, Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University.