The Global South Academic Forum

Fostering academic exchange, addressing emerging challenges, and strengthening solidarity among countries of the Global South.

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A Unique Platform

Initiated by the International Communication Research Institute of East China Normal University, GSAF is the only international academic conference in China specifically dedicated to the Global South.

Building Community

Our academic community connects 1000+ scholars, policy experts, and media professionals from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and beyond, promoting autonomous knowledge production.

Driving Dialogue

Through publications, seminars, and partnerships, we facilitate critical debate and academic collaboration to build a more just, equitable, and peaceful global order.

Our Journey ​

The forum's journey began in May 2023 with the inaugural "Global South International Communication Forum" in Shanghai. As China's first conference dedicated to the Global South, it convened over 100 participants from 20+ countries, leading to the "Shanghai Academic Consensus" which calls for a new world information order.

In 2024, the initiative was upgraded to the Global South Academic Forum (GSAF) to build a knowledge network for and by the Global South. Its conference on "The Global South and World Modernization" drew over 250 participants from 27 countries.

This November, the forum will organize the Global South Academic Forum (2025) on the theme of "The Victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the Postwar International Order: Past and Future."

Our Initiatives ​

  • Global South Academic Community: A network connecting over 500 scholars, experts, and professionals.
  • Publications: The bilingual "Global South Studies Series," the "Global South Translation Series," and the international academic journal "Global South: A Journal of Contemporary Studies."
  • International Communication Practice Bases: Facilitating first-hand exposure to China’s development experiences in regions like Jiangxi, Guizhou, and Yunnan.
  • Digital Sovereignty Index: A measurement framework to assess the level of digital independence of countries.

Our Partners

International Communication Research Institute, ECNU

International Communication Research Institute, ECNU

University of Johannesburg

University of Johannesburg