International development cooperation (IDC) is undergoing a period of significant change. Shifting geopolitical dynamics, evolving development priorities, climate challenges, growing debt burdens, technological transformation, and increasing demands for more equitable partnerships are reshaping how countries and institutions work together to address global development challenges.

To contribute Global South perspectives to these discussions, Southern Voice, in partnership with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), convened a series of regional roundtables across Africa, Asia, and Latin America between March and April 2026. The dialogues were organised as background research for the OECD Conference on the Future of Development Co-operation and informed our flagship initiative, Southern Voice on Global Development (SVGD).

Each regional roundtable brought together experts from across the respective region to explore two central questions: What should the future of international development cooperation look like in terms of its purpose, impact, priorities, and governance? And what practical reforms, mechanisms, and actions are needed to move towards that vision?

Explore the Regional Roundtable Summaries

AFRICA

This roundtable stressed the urgency of centring African voices as co-creators and co-deciders, moving away from hierarchical donor-recipient relationships. Co-operation should drive structural transformation – including industrialisation, fairer trade and global financial architecture reform – while urgently addressing debt that diverts resources away from health, education and infrastructure.

ASIA

This roundtable of Asian think tanks highlighted the need to reshape development co-operation around partnership, sovereignty and mutual benefit, not donor-driven aid models. Co-operation should focus on building long-term economic resilience, addressing debt cycles and strengthening institutions, with particular attention to value chains, renewable energy and opportunities for youth.

LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN

This roundtable of Latin American think tanks highlighted the importance of a co-designed future for development co-operation, with demand-driven approaches that reflect local realities. Co-operation should build the foundations for sustainable, inclusive development, including by improving cross-actor co-ordination, knowledge sharing and long-term financing. Rebuilding trust and meaningfully including historically marginalised groups are also essential to making multilateralism relevant and effective.

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