We envision a world of peace, cooperation and integration.

However, this vision faces growing threats as right-wing movements around the world incite discrimination, promote division and view the world through the lens of deep inequality.

In the economic field, wealth has become increasingly concentrated. In some cases, this concentration is not within national governments, but rather in multinational corporations whose power surpasses that of many states. This presents a major challenge for the Global South: to democratize not only political governance but also economic governance. Without economic sovereignty, true political independence is impossible.

Moreover, the digital divide remains stark. New information, communication and digital technologies have widened the gap between the Global North and South, while also deepening inequality within countries.

What the Global South truly aspires to is a new international order—one that is fairer and more equitable. The Global South seeks deeper cooperation and integration, using new technologies to help those still suffering from inequality and poverty become an actual part of the development narrative.

Argentina is a major agricultural and livestock producer, and China is one of its largest markets for such exports. Together, we have formed a powerful partnership.

We have also signed agreements in other areas, including biotechnology—particularly genomics applied to agriculture and livestock—and the use of digital technologies in these sectors to help lift more people out of poverty.

China has set an inspiring example in this regard, having lifted more than 770 million people out of extreme poverty over the course of 40-plus years as of late 2020.

We have also signed cooperation agreements with China in the space sector, carrying out joint research projects.

We are studying China's development experience closely, given it is of great importance to us.

The Global South holds great expectations for the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), which was proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, a port city in north China, on September 1. (The GGI calls on countries to work in concert for a more just and equitable global governance system—Ed.)

Xi stressed the five principles of the GGI: Adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach and focusing on real results. I believe these principles are all highly relevant. 

We need a world that respects sovereign equality. In the United Nations General Assembly, the fundamental principle is "one country, one vote." Regardless of a nation's size, wealth or population, each country has its own identity and the right to exist with respect for its people. In this sense, the emphasis on respecting national sovereignty is crucial—without it, nothing else can stand.

The situation where some Global South countries are forced to obey unfair rules simply because they lack power or weapons, while others act freely because they do possess them, should no longer exist. This is why abiding by international rule of law is essential.

Moreover, it's our shared aspiration that we transition into a multipolar world where nations form partnerships based on their interests and complementarities. We strongly agree with Xi's call to practice true multilateralism.

Another central idea Xi has proposed is advocating the people-centered approach. Any form of cooperation between nations must aim to improve people's lives—otherwise, it holds no meaning for us. If our actions do not improve living conditions, what purpose do they possibly serve?

The Global South will undoubtedly become the most dynamic force in advancing these goals by focusing on real results. In many areas, we can make mutual contributions—and that should be the driving force of our cooperation. BR

The author is a former minister of science, technology and innovation of Argentina 

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon

Comments to wangruohan@cicgamericas.com