Global South Should Unite for a Greater Voice in Global Governance, Beijing Dialogue Hears

Representatives from more than 100 research institutions across countries including China, Russia, France and Austria gathered in Beijing on October 28 for the Global Strategic Dialogue (2026), focusing on how Global South nations can strengthen unity and secure a greater voice in global governance.

A push for stronger representation in multilateral institutions

Li Xuesong, vice president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, which co-hosted the dialogue alongside China Daily, called for restructuring international institutions to give developing countries fairer representation, including expanded voting rights at bodies such as the International Monetary Fund. He said the international community should oppose the politicization and weaponization of economic and trade issues, while creating better conditions for Global South countries to integrate into international cooperation.

Former Kyrgyz prime minister joins the discussion

Djoomart Otorbaev, a former prime minister of Kyrgyzstan, took part in the dialogue alongside Xing Zhigang, deputy editor in chief of China Daily, addressing how emerging economies can capture more benefit from technological advancement and economic globalization.

AI governance struggles to keep pace

Speakers at the dialogue said the pace of artificial intelligence development is outstripping the ability of regulators to keep up, and called for more adaptive governance frameworks capable of responding to fast moving technology.

AIIB chief highlights the role of emerging economies

Zou Jiayi, president and chair of the board of directors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, pointed to the growing role emerging economies are playing as infrastructure investors and advocates for open trade at a time of rising protectionism.