Global South's path to a more equitable international order

Today's world is facing a range of complex global challenges, including development inequalities and climate change. These issues require urgent action and global cooperation, and the need for a more inclusive international system has never been more pressing.

Increasingly, countries in the Global South are asserting their voices, pushing for an international order that prioritizes shared prosperity and equity for all nations.

Development inequality and climate change

Among the challenges faced by today's world development inequality remains the most pressing. Despite global economic growth, over 8 percent of the world's population still lives in extreme poverty, with much of this poverty concentrated in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The percentage of people living in moderate poverty stands at 44 percent, a figure that has barely changed since 1990, according to the World Bank.

Historical factors, such as colonialism and inequitable global trade policies, continue to perpetuate these inequalities, with developing countries often left behind in the global economic system.

Climate change further complicates this landscape. While developing countries are the least responsible for global emissions, they are the most vulnerable to its effects. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events and droughts are threatening lives and livelihoods across the Global South, yet the international response to these issues has often been inadequate, leaving vulnerable nations without the necessary support to cope.

Rising influence of the Global South

In response to these challenges, countries in the Global South have increasingly sought to shape a more equitable global order. Led by China, Brazil and others, these countries have advocated for reforms in global governance, demanding that international institutions better reflect the interests of the Global South.

The BRICS group is a key example of this shift. Since its founding in 2009, BRICS has worked to counterbalance the dominance of Western powers in institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. BRICS countries have prioritized economic development, poverty reduction and infrastructure investments, aiming to create a more inclusive global economy.

China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is another major effort to support the Global South. The BRI has facilitated large-scale investments in infrastructure across Asia, Africa and Latin America, including roads, railways and ports. These projects help reduce dependency on Western financial institutions and increase trade and connectivity between developing nations.

In Latin America, China has deepened partnerships with countries like Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela, focusing on energy, agriculture and technology. Initiatives like the China-CELAC Forum, which brings together Latin American and Caribbean nations, have helped to foster greater regional integration and cooperation, strengthening ties between China and the Global South.

G20: A platform for the Global South's voice

The G20, established in 1999, has evolved into a platform where the Global South's concerns are increasingly heard. Comprising both developed and developing countries, including China, Argentina, Brazil and South Africa, the G20 has become a critical forum for addressing global issues such as climate change, economic inequality and global health crises.

The 2008 global financial crisis marked a turning point for the G20, as emerging economies used the forum to demand greater representation in global financial institutions. This shift allowed the G20 to broaden its scope, addressing not only economic issues but also challenges related to climate change, sustainable development and global health.

At recent G20 summits, developing countries have pushed for more inclusive policies. For example, China and Brazil have advocated for greater financial support for climate adaptation, fairer global trade policies and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.