Panel discussion of Ambassadors of the Global South | Max Bell School of Public Policy

The Global South has become a transformative force in the global economic, political and environmental landscape. The Max Bell School was pleased to host a distinguished panel of diplomats and government officials from Global South countries for an informative panel discussion. His Excellency Carlos Alberto França, Ambassador of Brazil to Canada (Consulate General of Brazil in Toronto), His Excellency Sanjay Kumar Verma, High Commissioner of India to Canada (Government of India), His Excellency Anselm Ransford Sowah, High Commissioner of Ghana to Canada (Government of Ghana), His Excellency Daniel Tumpal Simanjuntak, Ambassador of Indonesia to Canada (Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia) and Mr. Geoff Black from Global Affairs Canada enriched us with their presence. The panel discussion, organized by Max Bell Members of Parliament Jamil Tanimu, Pallawi Anand and Rebecca Kresta, provided our students with a unique opportunity to gain valuable information on international relations and diplomacy.

The panel, representing a total population of 1.940 billion, explored the potential for strengthened partnerships between Canada and the Global South. Jamil Tanimu welcomed all ambassadors and emphasized the importance of these partnerships in alleviating global inequalities, hunger, poverty and conflict. The spirit of the discussion is one of understanding, as the focus is on a multipolar order without collective self-defense or military alliances and with an emphasis on economic development. The ambassadors stressed the importance of organizing nations into a united group by setting a global agenda, challenging the status quo and supporting industrialization. The importance of avoiding oversimplifications and taking into account country heterogeneity for an effective partnership has come to the fore. The strengths and weaknesses of external partners in trade, investment and the use of domestic expertise were discussed.

The Global South is most affected by climate change, which is not its main cause. The panel discussed the need for financing, sustainable living in affected regions and the introduction of new initiatives such as the Loss and Damage Fund, the Bridgetown Initiative and the World Bank Evolution. The dialogue focused on balancing climate change responsibilities, calling for equitable development, leveraging new technologies and maintaining ambition. The role of diplomacy in maintaining peace in the region and international cooperation was emphasized. The overarching theme of the panel discussion was to address historical injustices, promote equitable development and support international cooperation to address global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality and peacebuilding. The emphasis was on solidarity, innovation and setting a new agenda for future globalization.