Seeking strength through unity for the Global South in a world of flux and transformation, 5-6 June, Guangzhou, China
At the invitation of the organisers, Antonella Vassallo, Managing Director, IOI, participated in the Global South International Forum: Seeking Strength Through Unity for the Global South in a World of Flux and Transformation, held in Guangzhou.
Organised by the School of International Governance Innovation at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, the Forum brought together representatives of multilateral organisations, universities, think tanks, government institutions, and international organisations from more than twenty countries to explore pathways for sustainable development and enhanced cooperation among Global South countries. Discussions addressed a broad range of contemporary challenges and opportunities, including multilateral cooperation, sustainable development, capacity-building, emerging technologies, green transitions, innovative financing, and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
In addition to the formal conference programme, participants took part in a study tour across Guangzhou, visiting Yongqing Fang Historic and Cultural District, Haixinsha Science and Technology Island, Fushan Industrial Park, and Jingxia Village. The visits provided an opportunity to observe examples of urban regeneration, technological innovation, industrial development, and community-based development initiatives within Guangdong Province.
As a speaker on Panel 7: The Blue Frontier: Realizing the Sustainable Ocean Economy in an Era of Climate Change, Ms Vassallo joined a discussion alongside Prof Yang Jian of the School of International Governance Innovation and Dr Nassim Oulmane, Chief of Section within the Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resources Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The session was moderated by Prof. Pan Jiahua of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) and Deputy Director of the National Expert Committee on Climate Change.
The Forum also provided opportunities for engagement with students and emerging scholars from the School of International Governance Innovation. As part of the preparatory activities, students conducted interviews with a number of invited speakers, including Ms Vassallo, gaining first-hand exposure to discussions on sustainable development, international cooperation, ocean governance, and climate-related challenges as part of their academic and professional development.
Drawing on IOI’s more than five decades of experience in ocean governance capacity development, Ms Vassallo highlighted the importance of human-centred ocean governance, capacity development, and ocean literacy in supporting a sustainable blue economy. She emphasised that sustainable ocean economies cannot emerge through infrastructure and investment alone, but require informed institutions, effective governance frameworks, and empowered societies capable of making responsible decisions regarding ocean resources.
Reflecting on the relationship between knowledge and decision-making, Ms Vassallo noted that:
“Knowledge alone does not automatically produce good governance.
The challenge is transforming knowledge into governance.”
She further highlighted the role of developing countries in shaping the future of ocean governance, stressing that:
“The Global South must not only participate in shaping the future ocean economy – it has to help define it.”
The Forum provided a valuable platform for exchanging perspectives on sustainable development and international cooperation, while reaffirming the importance of capacity development, inclusive governance, and knowledge-sharing in addressing the complex challenges facing ocean and climate governance today.
Photos taken by the Guangzhou Center for Global South /the School of International Governance Innovation, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies.