BRISL Calls for Deeper Global South Cooperation at the Global South Summit in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro, November 2024 – The Global South Summit convened in São Paulo, Brazil, ahead of the highly anticipated G20 Rio de Janeiro Summit, the first-ever G20 meeting hosted by Brazil. The summit was held on the sidelines of the G20 at the Grand Hyatt São Paulo, bringing together leaders, policymakers, and experts from across the Global South to foster dialogue on shared development goals and address pressing global challenges.This year’s Global South Summit came with added significance as it coincided with the African Union’s first full participation as a G20 member. Discussions focused on advancing inclusive globalization, enhancing South-South cooperation, and promoting equitable solutions to shared challenges.
The Global South Media and Think Tank Forum, a major highlight of the summit, was jointly organized by Xinhua News Agency and Empresa Brasil de Comunicação. Themed “Development and Revitalization: A New Journey for the Global South,” the forum underscored the importance of amplifying the “voice of the South” and fostering innovative partnerships.
Prominent speakers at the forum included:
- Fu Hua, President of Xinhua News Agency
- Jean Lima, President of Empresa Brasil de Comunicação
- Hu Heping, Executive Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee
- Yeidckol Polevnsky Gurwitz, Chair of the Asia-Pacific Foreign Relations Committee of the Mexican Senate
- Muhammad Ali Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria
- Kin Phea, Director General of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia
- Selcuk Colakoglu, Founding Director of the Turkish Center for Asia-Pacific Studies
- Fausto Pinato, Federal Deputy of the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil and President of the Brazil–China Parliamentary Front
- Tatiana Rosito, Secretary for International Affairs at Brazil’s Ministry of Finance
In addition to these distinguished speakers, the forum welcomed contributions from a broad spectrum of leaders, experts, and media professionals.
The lineup included Patricio Javier Giusto, Executive Director of the Sino-Argentine Observatory of New Generations Foundation; Kristina Lyakh, Head of the Promotional Projects Division at the International Cooperation Directorate of Rossiya Segodnya International Media Group; Marcos de Oliveira, Editorial Director of Monitor Mercantil, Brazil; Bunn Sri Na Nagara, Director and Senior Fellow of the Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for Asia-Pacific (BRICAP), Malaysia; Li Jinfeng and Fan Shihui, Researchers from Xinhua Institute; Miguel Alejandro Diaz Cossio, General Manager of Multimedia Group in Bolivia; Auguste Médéric Beugré, President of the Consortium of African Professional Journalists for Strengthening Sino-African Cooperation in Côte d’Ivoire; Sabin Dhamala, Managing Director of Nepal News Agency; Khin Maung Zaw, Joint Secretary of Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies; Badra Gaaloul, President of the International Center for Strategic Security and Military Studies, Tunisia; and Oscar Ovidio Cabrera Melgar, President of the Foundation for the Development of Central America, El Salvador.
This diverse array of speakers highlighted the global scope of the discussions, which focused on fostering mutual understanding and enhancing cooperation across regions.
BRISL’s Call for Unity
At the forum, Yasiru Ranaraja, Founding Director of Belt & Road Initiative Sri Lanka (BRISL), delivered a speech calling for deeper cooperation among Global South nations. His speech centered on three pillars: climate action, financial inclusivity, and the reinvigoration of the Non-Aligned Movement’s principles.
The full text of his speech is included below:
Full Speech by Yasiru Ranaraja, Founding Director of BRISL
Distinguished guests and colleagues,
First, let me express my heartfelt gratitude to Empresa Brasil de Comunicação, Xinhua News Agency, Bank of Communications, China Economic Information Services (CEIS), and all the organizers who have worked tirelessly to bring us together today. Through your dedication and commitment, we are able to explore this profound vision for the Global South. Thank you for making this event such a success.
Today, we gather to discuss a vision where cooperation and mutual benefit drive the development of the Global South. In an era defined by transformative shifts in economics, technology, and climate policy, collaboration has become more than an ideal; it is essential.
The Global South, encompassing much of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, holds immense potential. We represent abundant natural resources, youthful and dynamic populations, and rich cultural diversity. Yet, despite these strengths, we face shared challenges—from sustainable development to equitable representation on the global stage. By working together, we can foster growth that is inclusive, resilient, and innovative, enabling us to overcome these obstacles.
First, it is imperative that the Global South nations unite to address climate change, firmly upholding the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR). While each nation contributes differently to global emissions, the impact of climate change disproportionately affects our communities, economies, and ecosystems. Together, the Global South nations must act on climate change, holding developed nations accountable while supporting each other’s journeys toward green and sustainable development.
Second, we must advocate for an inclusive global financial mechanism. Collective initiatives, such as BRICS, have empowered countries to address economic disparities and global uncertainties. Emerging institutions like the New Development Bank finance critical infrastructure and sustainable projects, focusing on establishing fair and equitable cooperation among members. Similarly, the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement supports financial stability during economic crises, underscoring the importance of solidarity in challenging times.
Third, strengthening the spirit of the Non-Aligned Movement is crucial for maintaining our independence and agency in a complex, multipolar world. The legacy of the Non-Aligned Movement reminds us that our unity and shared goals are powerful tools. By reinforcing this spirit, we can advocate for our own development paths and priorities, while promoting peace, mutual respect, and cooperation in global affairs.
The mission of Global South nations must be to establish partnerships grounded in respect, equity, and sustainability. In doing so, we set the stage for economic growth that not only creates jobs and lifts communities but also supports long-term environmental goals. Global South is not merely developing our economies; we are building capabilities and connections that enable us to contribute meaningfully on the global stage.
Let us move forward with this spirit of collaboration, for in unity lies our strength. Together, we can forge a brighter future for the Global South, where growth and opportunity are shared by all.
Thank you.
Yasiru Ranaraja
Founding Director of BRISL
