A photograph captured on July 3, 2025, depicts welcome banners for the BRICS Summit displayed on a street in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The image was provided by Xinhua.
During the plenary sessions of the 17th BRICS Summit, Premier Li Qiang announced that China would initiate the "Digital South" initiative, operating under the framework of the Global Development Initiative (GDI). Over the subsequent five years, China plans to host 200 training programs focused on the digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI) for nations within the Global South.
Premier Li participated in the second and third sessions of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. He delivered speeches addressing critical subjects, including the reinforcement of multilateralism, the advancement of artificial intelligence, environmental and climate change concerns, and global health issues. The meetings were attended by leaders from BRICS member states, partner countries, guest nations, and representatives from international organizations, as reported by Xinhua.
Premier Li highlighted the significant pressures on the current international economic and trade order, as well as the multilateral trading system. He noted the ongoing challenges to global economic recovery. He emphasized that the expanded BRICS cooperation should adhere to its founding principles, respond to contemporary needs, protect and implement multilateralism, and promote a fair and open international economic and trade order. The goal is to unite the Global South to contribute more effectively to global stability and development, according to Xinhua.
He stressed the importance of creating new opportunities for economic growth by expanding cooperation in emerging sectors such as digital and green economies. He also highlighted the potential of AI to empower various industries and benefit numerous households, while also assisting Global South countries in strengthening their capabilities. China will host 200 training programs in digital economy and AI for Global South countries over the next five years. China also welcomes all countries to attend the World Artificial Intelligence Conference to be held in China this July, Li said, according to Xinhua.
6 Comments
Donatello
I appreciate that environmental concerns are being addressed alongside economic ones. It's a holistic approach.
Raphael
Promoting multilateralism doesn't mean anything when the power dynamics remain skewed. This is just lip service.
Leonardo
Is this really about multilateralism or is it just China trying to create a new world order that serves its interests?
paracelsus
Involving China in the Global South is counterproductive. Their interests largely oppose those of smaller nations.
anubis
At last, an initiative aimed at inclusivity rather than exclusion—let’s support this!
BuggaBoom
I don't trust any initiative that has 'Global South' in its name if it's led by a country with a track record like China's.