Experts consider innovation, digital technology to be the key to South-South cooperation | So Good News

Speakers structural solutions allow to overcome problems, stimulate development

Editor’s note: The emergence of the digital age has established a symbiotic relationship between science, technology and innovation on the one hand, and social and economic growth on the other, said a keynote address at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Calling for greater efforts to modernize China, it was emphasized. To capture the spirit of this philosophy outlined in the report, China Daily organized an online forum in collaboration with the University of Oxford on Friday. The following special report contains key insights on the topic shared by experts during the forum.

Technological innovation and the use of emerging digital technologies play an important role in promoting South-South cooperation, increasing the governance capacity of developing countries and creating greater synergies in their development, speakers said at an online forum on Friday.

Qiu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, noted that scientific innovation and the use of new technologies serve as a structural solution to the problems faced by the development of the Global South.

A report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China emphasized the need to “see science and technology as our main productive force, talent as our main resource, and innovation as the main driver of growth.”

Noting that China attaches great importance to scientific and technical development and international cooperation, Qiu said: “In the last decade, the contribution of science and technology to China’s economic growth has increased significantly, which has laid a solid foundation for the country’s promotion of China. modernization”.

He also said that China’s modernization path provides an alternative path to rapid development while preserving the independence of countries.

“China aspires to be a creator of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of international order. It is also a major participant and contributor to global development cooperation. From a global strategic point of view, it is a strong South. “Southern cooperation helps promote democracy in international relations.” , – said Qiu.

Organized by the China Watch Institute of China Daily and the Center for Development Technology and Management of the University of Oxford, a forum on “South-South Cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation” was held online on Friday.

According to Qiu, the purpose of holding this forum is to share sustainable development experiences and build consensus to promote South-South cooperation, thereby contributing to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

He called for efforts to align the Global Development Initiative with the existing development and cooperation strategies of participating countries to enhance South-North cooperation and deepen South-South cooperation and create greater synergy in global development.