The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development covers 17 goals, the 16th of which is “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions,” namely: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Under this major goal, there are 12 targets, the 16.8 of which is “By 2030, broaden and strengthen the participation of developing countries in the institutions of global governance.”
●Current Situation
The World
High-level political forum ensures no one is left behind
Paula Narváez Ojeda, president of ECOSOC, addresses the ministerial opening of the High-level Political Forum. UN Photo/Manuel Elías
Dr. Cai Bin, IMCC’s chief representative in New York, at the venue. Photo: IMCC
As an NGO in special consultative status with ECOSOC, the International Mayors Communication Centre (IMCC) was once again invited to the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and the High-level Segment of ECOSOC. Dr. Cai Bin, chief representative of the IMCC in New York, attended the meetings on July 15.
Source: United Nations, International Mayors Communication Centre
China
In late January of 2024, the Third South Summit was held in Kampala, Uganda and organized by the G77 and China with the theme “Leaving No One Behind.” This collaboration showcases China’s commitment to fostering cooperation and solidarity among developing countries, emphasizing a shared vision for equitable global development.
Over the past decade, China has invested over US$1 trillion in more than 3,000 Belt and Road projects worldwide, signaling its dedication to fostering global prosperity. Beijing’s pivotal role in founding the New Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Silk Road Fund exemplifies China’s commitment to reshaping the global financial landscape. China calls on developed nations to fulfill their development and climate financing pledges and accelerate the implementation of the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals agenda.
Source: China Daily
●Cases
The World
BRICS countries expand influence
According to Xinhua News Agency in late July, Malaysia has sent a letter of application to join the BRICS mechanism to Russia, the BRICS rotating chair, expressing openness to participate as a member country or as a strategic partner. In addition, Belarus and El Salvador have added more voices to a chorus of countries seeking to join the group.
BRICS countries include major world powers, such as China and Russia, and countries which are influential on their continent, such as South Africa and Brazil. The group has a combined population of about 3.5 billion, or 45% of the world’s inhabitants. Combined, members’ economies are worth more than US$28.5 trillion - about 28% of the global economy.
Schematic diagram of the GDP of the BRICS countries, in trillions of dollars. Mapping by the United Kingdom, data source: World Bank, OECD
Whether it is advancing economic collaboration or advocating fairer global governance, BRICS has consistently championed the practical interests of developing countries. Through collaboration among developing countries, BRICS will amplify their collective voice, ultimately contributing to the cause of fairness and equality in global governance.
Source: Global Times, BBC
African Union’s international voice leaps forward
Created in 2002, the African Union (AU) represents 20% of the world’s territory and is home to a young population with productive potential above the average of other countries. The regional bloc became a permanent member of the G20 in September 2023. The move elevates the continent to the same status as the European Union and 19 other countries, and strengthens the agenda of the countries of the Global South.
July 31 of each year marks the commemoration of the Pan-African Women’s Day and the anniversary of the Pan-African Women’s Organization. The commemoration in 2024 focuses on education. Photo: African Union
Analúcia Pereira, a professor in the Economics and International Relations department at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul and coordinator of the Brazilian Centre for African Studies (Cebrafrica), points out that the African presence can play a crucial role in reshaping the global economic agenda, offering new perspectives and approaches.
The African Union’s sherpa to the G20, Albert Muchanga, believes that Africa’s experience in combating inequality, hunger and poverty can help strengthen Brazil’s proposal to create the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty.
Source: G20 Brasil 2024
China
As China plans to have mass production of AI-driven humanoid robots by 2025 and leadership in the sector by 2027, the country has published a set of governance guidelines and commitments for AI technology and calls for greater cooperation —not between East and West, but between North and South.
Unveiled at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in July 2024, the Shanghai Declaration on Global AI Governance lays out China’s position in five areas: promoting AI development, maintaining AI safety, developing the AI governance system, strengthening public participation and improving literacy, and improving quality of life and increasing social well-being.
Photo: China Daily
Source: cio.com
BYD leads the Global South’s transition to clean transportation
For a long time, Western carmakers have neglected EVs in emerging markets, choosing to follow the conventional wisdom that rich countries will transition to EVs first, with poorer countries lagging behind.
However, Chinese electric vehicle companies are leading the transition to clean transport in the Global South. For example, Chinese EV manufacturer BYD has established a joint manufacturing venture in Uzbekistan worth £130 million, built a £520 million factory in Thailand, and announced a £1 billion facility in Indonesia.
Not only is BYD helping Brazil towards its climate goals by providing affordable EVs, but it is also bringing high-tech supply chains by investing in local manufacturing. In addition, BYD and bank BBVA México have announced a strategic alliance to provide financing for electric and hybrid vehicles in Mexico.
Graph: The Brazilian Report
As of yet, Western companies do not have a product that can compete on price. BYD has effectively created a new segment in the market, and gradually dominates the rollout of EVs in middle-income countries. It not only can boost the automotive sector, but also contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and promote a sustainable business model.
Source: Royal United Services Institute, Mexico News Daily
●Background
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiated by the United Nations
On January 1, 2016, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including 169 targets, of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — adopted by world leaders in September 2015 at an historic UN Summit — officially came into force. Countries will mobilize efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change while ensuring that no one is left behind.
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