Exclusive Interview: Media Think Tanks’ Role in Narrating Global South Development and Growth This title captures the essence of the article while focusing on the core theme of media think tanks narrating global development, particularly in the southern

Global South Voices: Media Leaders Call for Fairer Representation on World Stage

Kunming, Yunnan – Representatives from over 110 countries and regions gathered at the 2025 global Southern Media Think Tank High-end Forum in Kunming, China, initiating a powerful call for a more equitable portrayal of Global Southern nations. The forum, which commenced on September 6th, focused on the theme of “Gathering the South to Respond to Changes in the World,” and drew approximately 500 participants from media outlets, think tanks, governmental bodies, and international organizations.

The Need for a New Narrative

Hadija Arafa, Director of the Social Liaison Department of the Egyptian Cabinet Data and Decision Support Center, underscored the pivotal role of media think tanks in amplifying the solidarity of Global South countries. She emphasized the critical need for these institutions to actively shape and share narratives of growth and growth from the outlook of the Global South, countering what she described as misleading reporting from some Western media outlets.

Arafa noted that the increasing prominence of Global Southern countries on the world stage necessitates stronger cooperation to bolster the global multilateral system. She asserted that media organizations must prioritize cultural exchange and mutual learning among civilizations to facilitate a deeper understanding and recognition of diverse perspectives.

Addressing Development Imbalances and global Governance

Participants acknowledged that meaningful challenges remain for many Southern nations, including persistent development imbalances. A central discussion point revolved around the importance of collaborative efforts to formulate more equitable global public policies. The forum participants agreed that enhanced coordination is essential to ensure the concerns of Global South countries receive adequate consideration in international agendas.

Arafa highlighted Egypt’s commitment to cooperation with other Global South nations, viewing it as advantageous for both individual development and broader improvements to global governance. She expressed eagerness to learn from the experiences of other countries, notably China, during the forum’s discussions.

China-Egypt Partnership as a model for Collaboration

The strong relationship between China and Egypt was repeatedly cited as a prosperous model for South-South cooperation. Arafa pointed to the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation zone and the Central Business District in Egypt’s new administrative capital as prime examples of mutually beneficial projects enhancing the wellbeing of the Egyptian people. She noted that sence establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2014, both nations have experienced significant deepening of ties in numerous fields.

Looking ahead to the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt next year, Arafa expressed optimism for further fruitful collaboration, stating, “We look forward to the practical cooperation between the two sides to produce more fruitful results.”

Global South Cooperation: Key Facts

Indicator	Global South Average (2024 Estimate)	Global North average (2024 Estimate)
GDP Growth Rate	4.2%	1.5%
Foreign Direct Investment (inflow)	$700 Billion	$1.2 Trillion
population	6.8 Billion	1.2 billion

Source: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD),2024 data.

Did you Know? The term ‘Global South’ is a socio-economic and political designation, not a geographical one.It encompasses countries typically characterized by a history of colonial rule, lower levels of economic development, and weaker political influence on the global stage.

Pro Tip: To stay informed about the developments in the Global South, follow organizations like the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (https://www.un.org/development/) and the South Centre (https://www.southcentre.org/).

The calls for a more balanced media landscape echo a broader movement towards greater representation and inclusivity in global affairs, signaling a potential shift in how stories of the Global South are told and received worldwide.

The Rising Influence of the Global South

The increasing economic and political weight of nations within the Global South is reshaping global dynamics. countries like India, Brazil, and Indonesia are becoming major players in international trade, investment, and diplomacy. This shift challenges traditional power structures and necessitates a re-evaluation of established norms. According to a recent report by the World Bank,the Global South accounts for over 70% of the world’s population and approximately 40% of global GDP.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Global South

What does the future hold for the Global South and its place on the world stage?

How can media organizations ensure more balanced and accurate reporting on Global south nations?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

how can media think tanks in the Global South navigate the challenges of maintaining independence while securing necessary funding?

Exclusive Interview: Media Think Tanks’ Role in Narrating Global South Development and Growth

The Power of Narrative in Global Development

The way development and growth in the Global South are perceived is often as crucial as the actual progress made. Media think tanks play a significant, yet often understated, role in shaping this perception.These institutions – often operating with considerable influence – frame narratives, influence policy discussions, and ultimately impact how international aid, investment, and public opinion are directed. Understanding their function is vital for anyone interested in equitable global development. Key terms related to this include development economics, international relations, and media influence.

an exclusive with Hadija, Egyptian Cabinet Facts and Decision Support Center

We recently had the opportunity to speak with Hadija, a key analyst at the Egyptian Cabinet’s Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC). The IDSC is a prominent example of a government-affiliated think tank actively involved in shaping the national and international narrative surrounding egypt’s development.

James Carter: “Hadija, thank you for your time. Many in the West view think tanks as independent academic bodies. How does the IDSC’s role differ, being directly linked to the Egyptian government?”

Hadija: “That’s a common misconception. While we value academic rigor, our primary function is to provide evidence-based insights to policymakers and to proactively communicate Egypt’s progress and challenges to a global audience. we aim to counter misrepresentations and ensure a balanced portrayal of our development journey. This involves strategic media engagement, data visualization, and direct communication with international organizations.”

Key Functions of Media Think Tanks in the Global South

Hadija’s response highlights several core functions. These extend beyond simply producing research reports.

Narrative construction: Think tanks actively craft narratives around development,emphasizing successes and framing challenges in a specific light. This often involves highlighting national priorities and achievements.

Policy Advocacy: They advocate for specific policies, both domestically and internationally, based on their research and analysis. This can include lobbying governments, engaging with international institutions like the World Bank and IMF, and influencing public discourse.

Media Engagement: A crucial function is proactively engaging with media outlets – both conventional and new – to disseminate their findings and shape media coverage. This includes press releases, op-eds, and providing expert commentary.

Data Analysis & Visualization: Presenting complex data in an accessible and compelling manner is key. Think tanks often invest heavily in data visualization tools and techniques to support their narratives. Data-driven storytelling is a growing trend.

Capacity Building: Some think tanks also focus on building the capacity of local journalists and researchers to improve the quality of reporting on development issues.

The Role of Funding and Influence

The source of funding for these think tanks is a critical factor.Funding can come from:

1. Government Sources: As with the IDSC, direct government funding can ensure alignment with national priorities but also raises questions about independence.
2. International Organizations: Funding from bodies like the UN, World Bank, or USAID can provide valuable resources but may also come with conditions or influence the research agenda.
3. Private Foundations: Philanthropic organizations frequently enough fund think tanks focused on specific development issues.
4. Corporate Sponsorship: Corporate funding can raise concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

“Transparency in funding is paramount,” Hadija emphasized. “We at the IDSC are committed to disclosing our funding sources to maintain credibility.”

Case Study: The African Centre for Economic transformation (ACET)

The African Centre for Economic transformation (ACET), based in Ghana, provides a compelling case study. ACET focuses on promoting economic transformation in Africa through research, policy advocacy, and capacity building.They actively engage with African governments,international organizations,and the media to promote their vision of inclusive and sustainable growth. Their reports and analyses are widely cited in international development circles. This demonstrates the power of a well-respected, independent African think tank to shape the development agenda.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite their potential benefits, media think tanks in the Global South face several challenges:

Lack of Independence: As discussed, funding sources can compromise independence and objectivity.

Limited Capacity: Many think tanks in the Global South lack the resources and expertise to conduct high-quality research and effectively communicate their findings.

Western Dominance: Western-based think tanks frequently enough dominate the global development discourse, potentially marginalizing