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InteliGente, launched in 2021, promotes equity in AI development by educating young people in Latin America to create socially impactful solutions. Partnering with global AI networks, it addresses the AI divide between the Global South and North, fostering ethical AI use and empowering underserved communities with locally relevant innovations.
The Point Sud programme fosters dialogue on innovative research between scholars in Germany and Africa. It promotes equitable North-South academic collaboration by addressing knowledge hierarchies and structural inequalities. Since 2009, it has supported 98 workshops with over 2,200 participants from 65+ countries, coordinated by Goethe University Frankfurt and Point Sud Bamako.
Before its official launch in 2020, GENSA was just an idea shared by passionate individuals seeking a platform for gender and equity in South Asia. Born from deep commitment rather than corporate agendas, it grew from discussions, volunteer efforts, and a vision to drive change. This is the story of GENSA’s journey.
The International Research Management Staff Development Programme (IRMSDP) advances equity in global research partnerships by promoting Southern leadership and shifting power dynamics. Spearheaded by the Science for Africa Foundation and ARMA UK, it fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and co-creation of research management tools to strengthen African research institutions and support inclusive, impactful research.
There is growing interest in expanding the number of PhD graduates in Africa to strengthen research capacity and innovation. However, recruitment challenges highlight structural barriers, including donor expectations, diversity goals, and institutional constraints within African higher education.
I want to share two stories from my work in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Timor-Leste. The first story from PNG highlights development work supported by the local government in New Ireland Province. The second example is from Timor-Leste and focuses on the country’s adoption of the ‘Principles of Human Fraternity’, led by President Jose Ramos Horta in 2021-2022
The Centres for Exchange project is changing how health research is done by putting Global South voices first. Wellcome Trust and Pivot Collective share lessons on building fair partnerships, overcoming power imbalances, and focusing on real community needs instead of just meeting project deadlines. Their goal is better, more inclusive research.
Local researchers play a vital role in ensuring that globally sponsored research aligns with national realities. However, achieving real impact requires equitable partnerships. International donors and researchers must recognize local experts as equal partners, ensuring their involvement from project design to policy influence.
Inclusive prosperity is a key pillar of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which emphasizes the importance of ensuring that no one is left behind. As a member of the Action Group on Inclusive Prosperity of the Unlock the Future Engine Room, I regularly participate in discussions about existing and future challenges with young colleagues from various parts of the world.
This story reflects on Results for Development's (R4D) role as a learning and engagement coordinator, collaborating with African partner organisations to co-create governance structures, promote inclusive decision-making, and ensure that leadership rests with local experts.
