Johannesburg: Africa’s representation on the global stage is experiencing a significant transformation through partnerships within the Global South, according to an AU official. She shared her insights in an interview with Xinhua during the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum China-Africa Partnership Conference, held in Johannesburg from November 13 to 14.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the AU official emphasized the crucial role of media and think tanks in fostering understanding among Global South nations, particularly between Africa and China. By bridging gaps between research, academia, media, and policymakers, these collaborations aim to promote development-oriented discussions.
The conference, co-hosted by Xinhua News Agency, the AU, and South Africa’s Independent Media, took place amid a shifting global order characterized by emerging economic centers within the Global South. As demands for fairer representation in global governance grow stronger, the AU official noted that this partnership plays a vital role.
She highlighted that global narratives about Africa are often shaped externally, which can lead to misunderstandings and hinder genuine partnerships. To counter this, she advocated for balanced storytelling that reflects the continent’s diversity and dynamism, fostering mutual learning and closer societal ties.
With the G20 Leaders’ Summit scheduled for November 22 and 23 in Johannesburg, the AU’s recent invitation to join the G20 marks a significant step in ensuring Africa’s voice is heard in multilateral dialogues. China’s early support for the AU’s membership underscores its commitment to Africa’s enhanced role in global governance.
Beyond the G20, mechanisms like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation serve as platforms for Africa to assert its perspectives internationally. The AU official stressed that Africa’s involvement in these discussions is not just symbolic but essential for influencing global decision-making processes.
She further advocated for reforms in global governance structures, many of which were established before the independence of numerous Global South countries. Current international institutions often do not cater to the needs of developing nations, she argued, calling for a more inclusive and equitable global framework.
In her vision, the path to a peaceful and cooperative world lies in recognizing development as a right rather than a privilege, with nations working together towards shared progress, free from historical inequities.