ESRF, in collaboration with China Agricultural University through its College of International Development and Global Agriculture (CIDGA), hosted a high-level dialogue under the theme “The Role of the Global South in Global Governance.” This marked the third in a series of such high-level discussions.

The dialogue aimed to promote solidarity and cooperation between China and African countries, while also strengthening South–South cooperation and advocating for a more equitable global power balance. It featured keynote speeches and engaging panel sessions.

Prof. Fortunata Makene- ED ESRF, provided welcoming remarks among other things she spoke on the Rationale for the Dialogue. Prof. said “the theme, The Role of the Global South in Global Governance, draws from FOCAC’s mission to boost South-South solidarity. It is timely because:

The Global South holds over 80% of the world’s population but lacks adequate representation in decision-making.

These countries face greater climate and crisis impacts despite little historical responsibility.

Current governance favors Western views, sidelining Southern interests. Complex challenges require new cooperative approaches.

Prof. Xue Lan from Tsinghua University providing keynote address, He highlighted some key points including: • We are living in a time of profound global transformation.
• The role of the state is crucial; successful development often comes from states with strategic state capacity, not minimal government intervention.
• There is a need to decolonize development theory and move away from Western-centric models.
• Our theories and development strategies should emerge from within our own people and experiences.