The selected theme, 'The Global South and Global Modernization,' is particularly relevant and appropriate given the current global situation. As mentioned earlier, a new momentum is evident in the Global South. Furthermore, numerous movements have emerged, as highlighted by previous presenters, including the Sahel movement and the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) focus group held in September, which centered on modernization and industrialization. The evolving relationship between China and Africa, among other developments, further motivates this period of reform and innovation within the Global South.
For several decades, the economic development and modernization of Global South countries were largely driven and dictated by Western models. These models often failed to adequately consider the existing status and cultural contexts of the Global South, frequently disregarding crucial aspects of development such as poverty reduction, inequality, and the essential involvement of the state. Consequently, many initiatives based on these models have been unable to achieve their intended results in the Global South. This necessitates a new development model for the Global South. The question is not whether we must start from scratch, but rather whether we can leverage our own accumulated experiences. Indeed, we possess such valuable experience.
For example, China has forged its own development and modernization path by integrating its unique national experience and culture, resulting in remarkable economic growth and modernization. This offers a significant lesson for many countries in the Global South. As previously noted, nations such as China, India, South Korea, and Vietnam have demonstrated rapid economic growth, enabling hundreds of millions of people to escape poverty. In China alone, over 800 million individuals have been lifted out of poverty in the past 40 years, a truly miraculous achievement that provides a valuable experience for us all.
Additionally, significant improvements have been observed in manufacturing and export growth. Several countries in the Global South have successfully transitioned from predominantly agrarian economies to manufacturing hubs. For instance, my own country has developed numerous industrial parks dedicated to manufacturing, a substantial undertaking that requires unwavering commitment from the government and all stakeholders. In the health sector, a focus on prevention and treatment strategies has led to a notable reduction in malaria rates across many parts of Southeast Asia and Africa. Furthermore, nations such as Ethiopia and Rwanda have made remarkable strides in lowering child mortality and expanding access to healthcare in rural areas. Across many regions of the Global South, particularly in Southeast Asia and Latin America, literacy rates have increased significantly. Technological innovation and digital transformation have also advanced, contributing to efforts to combat energy shortages and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, with several Global South nations increasingly embracing renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, and hydropower.
Major achievements in infrastructure and urbanization are also evident in nations such as China, India, Brazil, and Turkey. The construction of significant urban infrastructure, including new highways, bridges, and airports, has fueled urban growth and fostered improved integration into international trade networks. Overall, these developments represent substantial progress in enhancing the lives of millions across the Global South. Economic growth, technological innovation, healthcare improvements, and social changes collectively offer considerable hope for the future.
However, the path to sustainable economic development in the Global South remains complex, necessitating the resolution of deep structural issues such as persistent poverty, inequality, political instability, and environmental degradation. High debt levels in many Global South nations can significantly impede economic growth and diminish the funds available for crucial public investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. For instance, according to a World Bank report, the debt-to-GDP ratio in the Global South exceeded 60% in 2020, with developing nations, including low- and middle-income countries, collectively holding $9 trillion in external debt over the past decade. Notably, the external debt of Sub-Saharan Africa has almost doubled during this period.
Education, along with research and development (R&D), also presents a significant challenge in many Global South countries. Global R&D investment reached approximately USD 2.75 trillion in 2023, yet high-income nations accounted for about 77% of this total, while low-income countries contributed merely 0.3%. This substantial disparity highlights a considerable gap within the Global South, as data consistently indicates that R&D investments are predominantly concentrated in developed nations, with fewer resources allocated to the Global South.
Moreover, Sub-Saharan Africa has faced considerable challenges regarding education access, with net primary school enrollment remaining below 80%. Furthermore, the quality of education continues to be a concern in many regions of the Global South. For example, in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, a significant proportion of students, often exceeding 50%, are unable to read or write at their grade level despite having attended school for several years.
In the health sector, ongoing efforts are essential to address persistent issues. In many parts of the Global South, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, maternal and infant mortality rates remain high, and access to essential medicines and vaccines continues to be a challenge. Infrastructure, encompassing roads, transportation, and electricity, is vital for economic development and access to services. Nevertheless, a significant number of Global South nations still suffer from severe infrastructure deficits. For instance, Africa exhibits the most substantial infrastructure gaps, with over half of the rural roads in Sub-Saharan Africa classified as poor quality or unimproved. Only 34% of rural roads in Africa are paved, in stark contrast to approximately 75% in Latin America and 80% in East Asia. Access to power also poses a major problem in many Global South countries, with about 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa — approximately 58% of the population — still lacking access to electricity. This significantly impedes economic development, education, and healthcare.
Consequently, these challenges prevent many countries in the Global South from significantly enhancing the livelihoods of their populations. According to a World Bank report, approximately 700 million people, representing about 9% of the global population, were living on less than $2.58 per day. The vast majority of these extremely poor individuals reside in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, continues to be the region with the highest poverty rate, with approximately 40% of its population living below the poverty line.
Therefore, tackling the development challenges of the Global South necessitates a multidimensional approach that addresses both immediate needs and long-term structural changes. Sustainable development will depend on dedicated efforts, nurturing local resources and cultures, adopting new technologies, strengthening institutions, prioritizing education and research and development, and fostering greater cooperation. Furthermore, the Global South urgently calls for a new international economic order and a new information and communication order.
Thus, the exchange of experiences among nations in the Global South holds immense significance. The pace of modernization achieved by China and the development strategies implemented there offer a profound lesson for many countries in the Global South. It is also crucial to organize Global South forums, conferences, and workshops, such as this one, to facilitate the exchange of ideas and foster the generation of new solutions.
(Transcribed from recording and edited.)