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.

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.

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

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.

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.