Imagine a global debate on artificial intelligence (AI) centered on advancing high-cost technologies, data privacy and ethics. While these are prominent issues for developed economies, this narrow focus risks overlooking the contrasting priorities of around 85% of the world’s population — the Global South.

To illustrate, let’s focus on three key issues connected with the development of cutting-edge, expensive technologies. Since AI advancements mainly occur in high-income economies, these innovations are designed to address their specific demands, often neglecting Global South needs and contexts. Moreover, while advanced economies can afford to invest in such high-tech solutions, Southern countries with abundant labour but limited capital will find some technologies less practical, and will tend to prioritize labour-intensive solutions. Finally, financial constraints and lower digital literacy hinder developing nations’ abilities to adopt costly AI innovations, further widening the technological divide between the Global North and the Global South.

This example underscores a broader concern:  the need for diverse perspectives in global governance. AI is one of many challenges impacting Global South countries, yet it stresses the importance of inclusive international development discussions. Hurdles such as economic downturns, pandemics and climate change affect all nations in our interconnected world, although not equally. Yet, the perspectives of those most impacted — particularly from the Global South — risk being overlooked  in global discussions. Despite growing recognition of the Global South’s unique challenges, greater efforts are needed to connect national priorities and international agendas, and to overcome resource constraints that limit Southern nations’ ability to set research agendas.

In a step towards bridging this gap, Southern Voice has launched the Global South Perspectives (GSP) initiative. What makes the GSP unique is its focus on actionable, evidence-based recommendations presented in clear, simple language, and led and developed by Global South researchers. This publication aims to offer innovative, contextually relevant solutions to address shared global challenges, and to meaningfully contribute to global discussions. The first edition of the GSP aligns with the thematic priorities to be discussed in the upcoming United Nations Summit of the Future (SoF).

This month, as we approach the SoF – a platform dedicated to strengthening global governance systems to meet the demands of a changing world – we are reminded of the critical importance of ensuring that diverse perspectives also shape the path forward. The Summit aims to address global challenges like climate change, geopolitical tensions and digital cooperation while promoting sustainable and inclusive development. In support of this goal, the GSP features 8 articles addressing a range of critical topics including climate change, finance and international security, authored by 16 think tankers across nine Global South countries. These articles offer actionable recommendations grounded in their unique contexts, views and priorities. 

As the world looks to the future, we hope that the perspectives and evidence-based recommendations featured in this inaugural publication will not only enrich the ongoing dialogue, but also play a role in shaping effective and inclusive global strategies.

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