HERE COMES THE SOUTH
As we strive to honor the inherent worth and dignity of every person as well as respect for the independent web of all existence of which we are a part, we are faced with growing concerns about our individual life, as well as that of our family, our community, our nation and planet.

Most of what we see is confined by that provided within our nation. Occasionally, however, it’s refreshing to stand back and observe the activities of some other nations.

To counteract the destruction of the Second World War, in 1945 the United Nations was created by 51 countries. This sought to establish systems to generate economic development, for conflict resolution, to support places suffering from disasters, war and poverty, and generally to improve health, education and economic stability.

One rule set at that time was that France, Russia, China, the US, the UK would each have the power to veto any recommendation by the majority members.

In 2025 that rule still applies but the makeup of the UN has changed. There are now 193 member states. So, recognizing common challenges and aspirations and exploring ways of working together has led to the formation of BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa in 2010. BRICS has been working to enhance trade and economic growth among their members. One significant outcome is the launching of the NDB – New Development Bank, which is now an alternate to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. BRICS is advocating for reforms in the UN, collaborating in research on Artificial Intelligence, and having people –to-people exchanges in education, tourism, sports and culture.

Other countries have also been slowly and surely comparing notes, and while not a formal organization, the Global South has been evolving.

What they have in common includes that they were all colonies, are the main victims of global warming, and have more poverty than Europe and North America. Communication among the Global South includes recognizing and acknowledging disagreements, putting their disagreements aside, then identifying goals they have in common, and agreeing to work together on them.

This communication, interaction, collective activity and the resulting rewards are generating more growth. It has succeeded in getting the World Bank and the IMF to reduce the interest rates on loans and to establish a special fund for climate disaster relief for developing nations. Meanwhile, together they are working on ways to facilitate poverty eradication, improvement the UN Sustainable Development Goals, promoting renewable energy projects, and supporting indigenous and cultural appreciation. They have
also established a process of collaboration with BRICS.

Despite progress, the Global South has faced many challenges and setbacks, but their activities and successes strengthen their collective bargaining power. It also serves to promote development on their own terms.

Recognizing and acknowledging differences, identifying common goals, agreeing to work together on them, then taking action together is generating measurable success for the 130 nation Global South. It works for groups of countries, for individual countries, for communities, for families and for individuals.
-Markly Wilson