Cooperation and mutual learning among Global South countries can significantly drive their momentum of modernization and contribute to a more equitable global order, experts said, highlighting China's modernization as offering valuable lessons.

They made the remarks during a panel discussion at the Fifth Think Tank Forum on National Governance in Developing Countries held in Beijing on Friday.

Zhou Taidong, vice-president of the Center for International Knowledge on Development, noted that cooperation within the Global South is increasingly recognized for its unique advantages compared to the North-South partnerships.

"Global South cooperation emphasizes principles of solidarity, noninterference in internal affairs and mutual respect, prioritizing development," said Zhou, who is also an associate research fellow of the Development Research Center of the State Council.

"Unlike altruistic aid, South-South cooperation focuses on reciprocal benefits, fostering development capabilities and enhancing sustainability. Policies and technical solutions developed by countries from the Global South are often more practical, applicable and cost-effective."

China has played a pivotal role in promoting and enhancing cooperation among Global South countries by introducing new guiding concepts, building innovative development mechanisms, and sharing its development expertise, Zhou added.

Michael Dunford, emeritus professor at University of Sussex, said that Chinese concepts of harmony and symbiosis is widely shared in the Global South and East.

According to Dunford, China's promotion of the ideas like building a community with a shared future for mankind points to the need for a new path of high quality and people-centered world development and for a corresponding transformation of international governance and governance capacity. That is "a development and governance path which moves humankind forward while addressing the problems associated with hitherto modernization and development paths," he said.

Huang Yiping, dean of the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development at Peking University, said that the most valuable experience China has gained in its over 40 years of reform and opening up is the importance of pragmatism, which may be borrowed by Global South countries.

Endalkachew Sime, former state minister of planning and development of Ethiopia, echoed Huang's sentiments, noting that China's remarkable development over the past decades provides a compelling case to zoom in to tap lessons.

"The Global South nations have to explore the indigenous knowledge on governance among ourselves and learn from each other," he said.

Chen Bo, president of the China Institute of International Studies, called on Global South nations to unite in creating an environment conducive to development.

"In recent years, global development has faced severe setbacks, with development issues being politicized and marginalized," Chen said. "The Global South should get united to bring development back to the forefront of the international agenda, revitalize global development partnerships and create new momentum for global development."

Chen emphasized that modernization is an inalienable right for all countries. The Global South, as a crucial force in improving the global governance system, should collectively uphold true multilateralism and advocate for an equal, orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization, she urged.

Huang, from the Peking University, also underscored the importance of maintaining and enhancing an open and free global trade system.

"If the global free trade system is harmed, it is likely to affect new development opportunities for Global South countries," he warned.

"Maintaining and enhancing an open and free international trade system is not only in the common interest of the Global South but also our collective responsibility. We should take more initiative and use various platforms and mechanisms to support a multilateral, open and free international economic system."

Tamas Hajba, head of the Beijing Office of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, said that the modernization of developing countries in the Global South is not merely an agenda item but a necessity for achieving global stability, equity and sustainability.

"By addressing economic inequalities, bridging the financing gap, fostering inclusive societies, and building climate resilience, we can transform the Global South countries into drivers of global progress," he said.

The Chinese path to modernization, which is different from that of Western countries, has facilitated global development and promoted peace and friendship among nations, experts said on Friday.

From the time of its founding, China has always regarded itself as a member of the Global South, said former president of Guyana Donald Ramotar when addressing a think tank forum in a video speech. "This is not just a geographical statement, but also a philosophical position."

He noted that the leadership of China has made policies and relations with the developing world on the principle of "solidarity, mutual benefits and promotion of win-win cooperation".

He praised China, as a major powerhouse, for sharing its prosperity with the rest of the world, citing the landmark Belt and Road Initiative as a typical example.

He said projects under the BRI help build much needed infrastructure, promote better creation and allow states to add value to their products, thus breaking out of the vicious cycles of development and boosting sustainable growth.

The attack by Western powers against China is an attempt to not only hinder its cooperation with other developing countries, but also keep developing world "poor, heavily indebted and dependent," he said. "China continues to hold its hands of friendship and to offer cooperation instead of a group competition."

"The West has a bit of attitude of not understanding what mutual respect and equal relationship is," said Michele Geraci, former undersecretary of state at the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, emphasizing that China has championed a new kind of international relations featuring win-win cooperation, mutual respect and equal partnership.

He compared the zero-sum game pursued by some Western countries to "play tennis", where the final result is "I win and you lose", saying China's win-win concept is like dancing tango.

"You need both players to be good dancers. You do not want to dominate other player; otherwise, it doesn't look good. You want to ensure your partner dances as well."

The BRI is the most important development initiative in the history of humanity which has promoted connectivity and economic growth of the countries and regions involved in the initiative, he said, hoping China could tell the world more about its win-win solutions.

"Modernization without moral foundation is merely mechanization," President of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences in Bahrain Ra'ed Mohammed BenShams said, lauding China as a long-time advocate of mutual learning and exchanges among civilizations.

"As we undertake the (modernization) journey, we must remember trust is the most precious resource," he said.

"Partnership must rise above mere economy. It must be built on respect and genuine understanding of each other's moral and cultural foundation. Only then can we create lasting and meaningful cooperation."

Fang Fang, vice-president of Peking University, said China is committed to helping developing countries to enhance their capacity for independent development by sharing its knowledge and experience through education.

Looking forward, Fang called for joint efforts to enhance the human capital of Global South countries, and drive technological progress and industrial upgrading in the Global South countries through technological innovation.

By Yang Ran and ZhaoJia on November 23 2024 for the China Daily.