Peking University, November 22, 2025: International experts and scholars have called for stronger unity and cooperation among the Global South, deeper mutual understanding, and a multi-polar world order as a response to challenges happening on a global scale unprecedented in history.



The Global South Modernization Forum, held on November 21, gathered Chinese and international participants, who promoted mutual learning under the theme of “Working Together to Advance Modernization: A Shared Vision and the Path to Development.” 



Speaking at the opening ceremony of Parallel Forum IV, Jiang Guohua, Vice Chair of the Peking University (PKU) Council, remarked that the Global South is a formidable force to drive world peace, common prosperity, and civilizational progress. He also confirmed PKU’s readiness to strengthen the bridge of communication and contribute to knowledge sharing and cohesion among Global South countries.



Chen Bo, Secretary General of the Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy Studies Center and President of the China Institute of International Studies, said that as the Global South is showing great potential to propel progress and justice, it is also occasionally feeling the impact from unilateralism, protectionism, and hegemonism. She called for greater unity to overcome common challenges.



“The Global South should join hands in promoting a sound global governance system and striving for globalization in an equitable, inclusive, and multi-polar world.”

Zhao Gang, Vice President of Beijing Foreign Studies University, extolled the modernization progress of the Global South as an unprecedented feat of mankind. He then detailed the school’s efforts in expanding cooperation. 



“Beijing Foreign Studies University is constantly deepening studies of language and culture of Global South countries. We stand ready to work together with our global partners to build a Global South knowledge system and chart our own course toward modernization.”

Evandro Menezes de Carvalho, Head of the Brazil-China Research Group, pointed out that the world is gravitating toward a multi-polar paradigm ushered in by multilateral organizations such as BRICS Plus, African Continental Free Trade Area, Belt and Road Initiative, etc.



He stressed on more dialogue to realize shared visions. “In the coming decades, our era will be shaped not only by technological progress and geopolitical tensions but also by our collective capacity for dialogue, the ability to turn aspirations into realities, and the power to convert demographic significance into actual influence.”

Four experts were presented with the “Global Development and Practice Award” by He Guangcai, Chair of the PKU Council, at the opening ceremony. They were Justin Yifu Lin, Honorary Dean of Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development; the Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn; Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Muammar, General Supervisor of King Abdulaziz Public Library; and Pablo Vommaro, Executive Director of the Latin American Council of Social Sciences.

The Parallel Forum IV, themed “The Global South Amid the Century-Defining Transformation,” was hosted by Peking University, and co-organized by China Institute of International Studies and Beijing Foreign Studies University.

Written by: Chen Shizhuo
Edited by: Zhang Jiang
Photo by: Li Xianghua, Liu Yan, Cao Mengyao