Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has called for the need for Global South to work towards better multilateralism, with fairer global financial arrangements, stronger representation in international institutions, and greater participation in shaping decisions that affect our countries.
“Cooperation does not require us to think alike. We must have the confidence to disagree respectfully, learn from one another’s successes and failures, and continue working together towards shared goals,” she stated.
A statement issued by the Office of the Vice President said she made the remarks in Shanghai, China, in her address at the 2026 Global South Academic Forum, convened on the theme “Global South Political Parties: Governance and Modernisation.”
At the opening, the Vice President reflected on the historical struggles that shaped the Global South, particularly the pursuit of political independence and the right of nations to determine their own futures.
She noted that from the Pan-African vision of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah to liberation movements across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, their shared history reminds them that political independence is only the beginning.
“The greater task is to build strong institutions, productive economies and systems that respond to our people’s aspirations,” Vice President Opoku-Agyemang stated.
“Similarly, winning political power and governing effectively are related but not the same responsibility.”
She said political parties, governments, universities, and other institutions must continually evolve, strengthen accountability, and build the capacity to respond to changing realities.
She said China’s development experience offers valuable lessons in long-term planning, industrialisation, and institutional coordination.
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang said at the same time, meaningful South-South cooperation must be grounded in mutual learning rather than the assumption that countries must follow identical development paths.
“Our different histories and circumstances require solutions that reflect our realities.”
She also highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation across research, education, technology, and innovation.
The Vice President said as artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies reshape our economies, universities and research institutions across the Global South must collaborate more directly, share knowledge, and develop solutions that meet our societies’ needs.
She reiterated that they also need a more representative and equitable international order.
She encouraged the Forum to sustain intellectual partnerships, and honest exchanges needed to move beyond familiar debates and towards practical solutions.