A Year of Impact: Achievements, Reflections, and a Peak at 2026
As we conclude a momentous year, we reflect on the strength of this community and our shared progress. Guided by our strategic implementation plan, we advanced global debates, tackled knowledge asymmetries, and reached new milestones through initiatives like the Challenge Fund for Evidence Use and our 2025 Conference.
Reflections from the FfD4 Conference: Towards a Fairer Financing Landscape
From June 30 to July 3, Margarita Gómez, Executive Director at Southern Voice, attended the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville. Amid global crises and the urgency of the 2030 Agenda, she reflects on Southern leadership, key takeaways, and Southern Voice’s role in reshaping global financing.
SV Talks First Edition: Catalysts for Change
The second session of the first edition of Southern Voice Talks explores the role of youth in shaping global development. Drawing on new research and insights from young thinkers and experts, the session highlights how to break barriers, strengthen participation, and create meaningful spaces for youth engagement in policy debates.
GENSA: A Movement for Gender Equity in South Asia
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.
Empowering Southern Leadership: Transforming Global Research Partnerships through the IRMSDP
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.
Re-Thinking Recruitment Approaches Is Crucial to Developing Doctoral Research Capacity in Africa
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.
Balancing Power and Partnership: Insights from the Wellcome Centres for Exchange Initiative
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.
Value of Local Knowledge Production: Lessons from Sri Lanka
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.
The Impact of Information Framing on Youth Engagement in Public Policy Debates
Youth engagement is key to advancing the SDGs, yet mechanisms to promote meaningful participation remain unclear in the Global South. This study finds that information framing—especially in digital formats—can boost youth involvement in policy debates, but effectiveness depends on institutional, individual, and contextual factors, requiring a multifaceted engagement approach.
