By Asim Hussain
ISLAMABAD: Civil society leaders from across the Global South have issued a strong call for urgent and meaningful reforms to global governance systems to ensure equitable representation, transparency, and inclusion of marginalized communities.
The call was made during a high-level online conference of civil society stakeholders representing South and Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin American nations.
To mark the World Population Day on Saturday late, the virtual conference was organised by the Board of Directors of the Permanent Citizens’ Summit for the Reform of Global Governance and Planetary Democracy, Climate, Life and Health Alliance (ACVS) International; Radio Climate-Peace International, Insurgent Planet; Consortium Entities of Civil Society from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, European Union, Central, North and South America, Devcom-Pakistan and other academic, professional and community-based organizations of the Global South. The conference brought together prominent voices from diverse regions to deliberate on the growing imbalance in global decision-making processes and the urgent need to restore fairness, justice, and inclusivity in international governance frameworks.
Speaking at the forum as one of the keynote speakers, Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director Munir Ahmed emphasized the critical importance of integrating civil society voices into global decision-making platforms, particularly within processes related to the United Nations General Assembly and other key international institutions.
“Civil society networks across the Global South must come together to advocate for their rights and ensure their governments actively and meaningfully engage in global governance systems,” Ahmed said.
“Without inclusive participation, the concerns of marginalized communities will continue to be overlooked, perpetuating inequality and injustice.”
He highlighted that stronger coordination and networking among civil society organizations is essential to build collective pressure on governments, urging them to adopt more proactive, responsible, and accountable roles in international forums. Ahmed also called for the democratization of global governance structures, stressing that grassroots communities, indigenous groups, and civil society activists from the Global South must have a direct and institutionalized voice in shaping global policies.
Munir Ahmed further stressed the importance of consistent and continuous lobbying and diplomatic engagement through multiple formal and informal channels.
He underscored that such efforts must be complemented by effective narrative management to project the perspectives, priorities, and realities of the Global South on the global stage. According to him, without a strong and coordinated narrative, the voices of developing nations risk being overshadowed by dominant geopolitical powers.
Participants from Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia echoed similar concerns, highlighting what they described as a steady deterioration of just and equitable global governance. Speakers observed that existing systems are increasingly influenced, and in some cases dominated, by powerful nations, resulting in the marginalization of developing countries and weaker economies.
Dr. Carlos Ferreyra said “The global governance architecture has been disproportionately influenced by a few powerful countries, often at the expense of the majority,” reflecting a widely shared concern during the discussion. “This imbalance not only undermines trust but also weakens the legitimacy of international institutions.”
The participants collectively called for an end to such unjust practices and urged the international community to prioritize peace, cooperation, and equitable development. They stressed that global resources must be distributed fairly and used responsibly, ensuring that no region or community is left behind.
The forum also underscored that resources originating from specific regions should primarily benefit the people of those regions. Participants strongly criticized exploitative practices where natural and economic resources are extracted from developing countries without adequate returns to local populations. They emphasized the need for a fair global economic order that prioritizes sovereignty, justice, and sustainable development.
Climate change emerged as a central theme during the discussions. Speakers highlighted that developing nations and marginalized communities are facing the most severe consequences of climate-induced disasters such as heatwaves, storms, floods, and droughts—despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions.
“The injustice is stark. Those least responsible for climate change are suffering the most severe consequences,” Munir Ahmed noted. He called for stronger global accountability mechanisms, climate justice frameworks, and increased financial and technical support for vulnerable countries to adapt and build resilience.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening cross-regional civil society collaboration and building strategic alliances to advocate for systemic reforms. Participants agreed that sustained engagement, unified messaging, and coordinated advocacy are essential to achieving a more inclusive, democratic, and just global governance system.
