As the Boao Forum for Asia 2025 kicks off, leaders from emerging economies are asking: Can the Global South redefine modernization on its own terms? With nations like China, India, and Indonesia driving 42% of global GDP (and rising), the answer might just be a resounding yes.
Power Shifts & New Alliances
While political turbulence rocks Western economies, Asia is doubling down on collaboration. Projects like the China-Europe Railway Express—connecting 220+ cities across 25 countries—show how decentralized supply chains are rewriting trade rules. Meanwhile, trilateral talks between China, Japan, and South Korea prove old rivals can prioritize shared growth.
Growth By Numbers
The stats tell the story: Over 1 billion people lifted from extreme poverty in 20 years , and Global South economies now account for 50% of global GDP as of 2024. Yasiru Ranaraja, a Sri Lanka-based analyst, notes: ‘These nations aren’t just participants—they’re architects of the new world order.’
Challenges Ahead
But unity isn’t guaranteed. Bridging the North-South divide requires strategic cooperation on climate, tech, and equitable resource distribution. The Boao Forum’s focus on ‘interdependent regional solutions’ could be the blueprint the Global South needs—if they rally behind it.
With nations like China, India, and Indonesia driving 42% of global GDP (and rising), the answer might just be a resounding yes. 
Meanwhile, trilateral talks between China, Japan, and South Korea prove old rivals can prioritize shared growth.
, and Global South economies now account for 50% of global GDP as of 2024. Yasiru Ranaraja, a Sri Lanka-based analyst, notes: ‘These nations aren’t just participants—they’re architects of the new world order.’
The Boao Forum’s focus on ‘interdependent regional solutions’ could be the blueprint the Global South needs—if they rally behind it.
Zhao Leji to Address Boao Forum 2024: Key Asia…
