UN Geneva Forum Calls for Stronger South-South Cooperation to Rescue 2030 Development Goals

Geneva, 29 June 2026 — With less than five years remaining to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), policymakers, academics, youth representatives and civil society leaders gathered at a side event during the 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva to call for renewed South-South cooperation and a rights-based approach to sustainable development.

The high-level discussion, titled “Development in the Global South,” was jointly organized by the Youth Parliament for SDGs, the Global Institute for Water, Environment and Health (GIWEH), and RADDHO. Participants argued that developing countries are not merely recipients of international assistance but are increasingly becoming sources of innovation, practical policy solutions and development leadership.

Human Rights and Sustainable Development Must Go Hand in Hand

Speakers warned that despite progress in some areas, the world remains significantly off track in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. They pointed to persistent inequalities, climate change, armed conflicts, debt burdens, food insecurity, technological divides and weak institutions as key obstacles slowing development, particularly across the Global South.

Participants stressed that sustainable development cannot be separated from the realization of human rights, emphasizing that development policies must place people at their centre and ensure that everyone can participate in and benefit from economic, social, cultural and political progress.

The discussion highlighted the importance of renewed multilateralism, stronger regional partnerships and increased cooperation among developing nations to accelerate implementation of the SDGs while reinforcing the internationally recognized Right to Development.

Global South as a Source of Innovation

Opening the event, Dr. Nidal Salim, Director General of GIWEH, challenged traditional perceptions of the Global South as a region defined primarily by its challenges.

Instead, he argued that countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America are increasingly demonstrating successful development models built upon local innovation, community participation, digital transformation and sustainable resource management.

Dr. Salim presented the Global South Platform Partnership as a practical framework for expanding knowledge exchange, capacity building and technological cooperation among developing countries.

Drawing from international examples, he highlighted India’s progress in digital public infrastructure, universal healthcare, renewable energy, agricultural development and climate resilience while also referencing experiences from Bangladesh, Kenya, Rwanda, Brazil and Costa Rica as evidence that successful development strategies must reflect local realities rather than follow a single global model.

Historical Importance of South-South Cooperation

Representing Interfaith International and RADDHO, Mr. Biro Diawara traced the evolution of South-South cooperation to the political solidarity established among developing nations during the 1960s and 1970s.

He highlighted the enduring significance of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action (PABA) adopted in 1978, describing it as the foundation of modern technical cooperation among developing countries.

Mr. Diawara emphasized that development should be measured not solely by economic growth but by improvements in people’s quality of life.

Quoting renowned Burkinabé historian Professor Joseph Ki-Zerbo, he reminded participants that:

“One is not developed; rather, one develops.”

He argued that globalization has often widened inequalities rather than reduced them and advocated development models rooted in local knowledge, cultural identity, human capital and inclusive governance.

Mr. Diawara also stressed the growing value of triangular cooperation involving both South-South and North-South partnerships, highlighting contributions from India, China, Brazil, Europe, the United States and Russia across sectors including healthcare, education, infrastructure, governance and agriculture.

India Presented as a Rights-Based Development Model

One of the central discussions focused on India’s Ayushman Bharat programme, which participants described as a practical example of implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Right to Development through Universal Health Coverage.

Presenting the youth perspective, Ms. Meyssan Soliman, Youth Representative at GIWEH and Sorbonne University–Paris, explained how India’s healthcare reforms demonstrate that universal access to healthcare can be achieved even in countries with large populations and limited resources.

She described Ayushman Bharat as one of the world’s largest publicly funded health protection programmes, providing financial protection for vulnerable households while expanding access to hospitals, primary healthcare centres and affordable medicines.

Ms. Soliman also highlighted India’s investment in digital health through initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, telemedicine services and electronic health records, arguing that digital innovation can strengthen transparency, improve service delivery and reduce healthcare inequalities.

She further noted India’s global contribution through affordable generic medicines and vaccine production, describing it as an example of how South-South cooperation can strengthen health systems across developing countries.

Renewed Call for Global Partnership

Throughout the discussions, speakers recalled the principles established during the historic 1955 Bandung Conference, including sovereignty, equality, solidarity, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, describing them as increasingly relevant in today’s fragmented geopolitical environment.

Participants concluded that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will require stronger political commitment, greater investment in resilient public institutions, expanded knowledge sharing, locally driven innovation and more effective international cooperation.

They also urged governments and international organizations to begin discussions on the global development framework beyond 2030 while accelerating implementation of existing commitments.

The side event concluded with a clear message that the Global South should no longer be viewed solely as a beneficiary of development assistance but as an increasingly influential driver of sustainable development solutions and international cooperation.

Editor’s Note: The side event was held on the margins of the 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council at the Palais des Nations in Geneva and was jointly organized by the Youth Parliament for SDGs, the Global Institute for Water, Environment and Health (GIWEH) and RADDHO.

G7 in Évian 2026: Can the World’s Democracies Shape a New Global Order?

From AI and critical minerals to Ukraine, migration and the Global South, France’s G7 presidency signals a new era of geopolitical diplomacy.

By Geneva24 News | Feature

Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva and framed by the French Alps, the spa town of Évian-les-Bains once again became the centre of global diplomacy as it hosted the 2026 G7 Summit from 15–17 June—23 years after welcoming the historic G8 Summit in 2003. Under France’s presidency, leaders of the world’s seven largest advanced democracies met at a time when international politics is being reshaped by war, economic fragmentation, artificial intelligence, and an increasingly influential Global South.

Unlike previous summits largely dominated by traditional security and economic issues, Évian 2026 reflected a world entering a different geopolitical era.

A Summit in a World of Uncertainty

The summit brought together leaders from France, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Japan, alongside the European Union. France also invited leaders from India, Brazil, Kenya and South Korea, highlighting a growing recognition that today’s global challenges cannot be addressed without broader international partnerships.

President Emmanuel Macron described France’s presidency as an opportunity to return the G7 to its original purpose—finding coordinated responses to global economic instability while strengthening multilateral cooperation.

The “New Era” Agenda

Rather than focusing solely on traditional economic policy, leaders debated issues defining the coming decade.

Among the major outcomes were:

• New commitments to secure critical mineral supply chains, seen as essential for electric vehicles, semiconductors and clean energy.
• Joint initiatives promoting a safer digital environment for children amid growing concerns over AI-powered platforms and online harms.
• Discussions on artificial intelligence governance, balancing innovation with regulation.
• Continued coordination on Ukraine, Middle East security and broader geopolitical stability.
• Stronger cooperation against drug trafficking, migrant smuggling, organized crime and violent extremism.
• Renewed calls for balanced and resilient global economic growth.

The summit demonstrated that economic security, digital transformation and geopolitical stability are now inseparable.

Why Évian Matters

Évian is not just another summit venue.

It hosted the famous 2003 G8 Summit, remembered for debates over the Iraq War and the early rise of globalization protests.

Twenty-three years later, the challenges have changed dramatically.

Instead of debating globalization itself, leaders now confront:

• Fragmented supply chains
• Artificial intelligence
• Climate resilience
• Critical minerals
• Cybersecurity
• Strategic competition between major powers
• Rising influence of emerging economies

The return to Évian symbolizes how global diplomacy has evolved from managing globalization to managing geopolitical fragmentation.

Security Like Never Before

Hosting one of the world’s most powerful political gatherings required an unprecedented security operation.

France deployed around 16,000 security personnel, including police, military units, cyber specialists, bomb disposal teams, helicopters and drone operators. Security measures extended across the French-Swiss border, affecting transport throughout the Lake Geneva region.

Swiss authorities also reinforced border controls and coordinated closely with France, reflecting the increasingly cross-border nature of modern security threats.

Beyond the G7: The Global South Steps Forward

One of the most noticeable changes in Évian was the growing role of emerging economies.

With invited leaders from India, Brazil, Kenya and South Korea, discussions acknowledged that solving global challenges—from health and energy to technology and climate—requires broader international cooperation.

This shift mirrors wider debates within the United Nations, where developing nations increasingly seek greater influence over global governance institutions.

AI Becomes a Diplomatic Issue

Artificial Intelligence emerged as one of the defining topics of the summit.

Unlike previous years, AI was no longer treated simply as a technology issue but as a geopolitical challenge involving economic competitiveness, cybersecurity, misinformation and child protection.

Leaders endorsed initiatives promoting safer online environments for minors while exploring international cooperation on AI governance and responsible innovation.

Challenges Remain

Despite the broad agenda, the summit also reflected growing questions about the G7’s future.

As economic power shifts toward Asia and the Global South, analysts increasingly debate whether the G7 can continue shaping global policy on its own.

Some observers argue that institutions such as the G20, BRICS and regional alliances are becoming increasingly influential, making broader partnerships essential rather than optional.

Geneva’s Diplomatic Moment

Although the summit took place in France, nearby Geneva played a supporting diplomatic role.

Swiss authorities coordinated closely on security, while Geneva hosted several bilateral meetings and diplomatic engagements linked to the summit, reinforcing the city’s position as one of the world’s leading centres for international dialogue.

Looking Ahead

The Évian Summit illustrated that today’s global agenda extends far beyond traditional economic coordination.

Artificial intelligence, climate resilience, critical minerals, migration, digital safety, geopolitical conflict and cooperation with emerging economies now define international diplomacy.

Whether the G7 can continue adapting to this rapidly changing world remains an open question. Yet Évian 2026 demonstrated that even in an era of geopolitical rivalry, dialogue among major democracies remains central to addressing shared global challenges.

How to Become a Billionaire in 2026?

“Let me be brutally honest: you will NOT become a billionaire in 2026 by working harder — but you might if you think differently than 99.9% of people.”

“Here’s the truth no one on Geneva24 tells you.”

Becoming a billionaire in 2026 is not about motivation.
It’s about leverage, timing, and scale.

First — reality check.
There are fewer than 3,500 billionaires on Earth.
Most of them didn’t grind 9-to-5.
They built or controlled systems.
So how does it actually happen?

Rule Number One: Billionaires Don’t Sell Time
Employees sell hours.
Freelancers sell skills.
Billionaires build assets that work without them.

In 2026, the fastest-scaling assets are:

– Technology platforms
– AI-driven businesses
– Media and attention
– Ownership in scalable companies

Rule Number Two: Timing Beats Talent

Every generation has a wave:

– 2000s → Internet
– 2010s → Mobile & social media
– 2025–2026 → AI, automation, and digital infrastructure

AI is doing to white-collar work what machines did to factories.

The biggest money will go to people who:
– Build AI tools
– Control AI data
– Or own distribution — audience, platforms, media

Rule Number Three: Control Attention

Almost every new billionaire today either:

– Controls technology
– Controls capital
– Or controls attention

YouTube, TikTok, podcasts — attention is leverage.
Attention becomes:

– Products
– Influence
– Deals
– Equity

That’s why creators are becoming investors — and investors are becoming creators.

Final Truth

You don’t aim to be a billionaire.
You aim to:
– Build something that scales globally
– Own equity
– Ride a once-in-a-generation shift

We are in one right now.

“Most people will watch AI change the world.
A few will position themselves to own part of it.”

“Which one are you?”

Gig Economy Unpacked: Who Wins, Who Loses in 2026?

The Gig Economy’s Global Divide: Unpacking Regulation and Worker Rights Worldwide

By SARIFUDEEN M Zahran

The so-called gig economy — digital platforms that connect independent workers with short-term tasks — has reshaped labour markets across the globe. Promising flexibility, low barriers to entry and instant earnings, companies like Uber, Deliveroo, DoorDash and numerous task-based apps have become fixtures of modern life. Yet beneath the veneer of autonomy lies a fragmented global landscape where worker rights, protections and economic stability vary dramatically from one region to another.

This divergence highlights a fundamental tension in today’s world of work: how to preserve flexibility without sacrificing basic labour protections.

A World of Contrasts: Regulatory Approaches Across Continents

In Europe, policymakers have taken one of the most ambitious legislative approaches to gig work. The European Union has moved to introduce a Platform Workers Directive designed to increase transparency, prevent misclassification of workers, and limit the unchecked use of algorithmic management. Under this framework, if a platform exercises de facto control over a worker’s hours or pay, that person could be presumed to have an employment relationship — opening the door to protections like sick pay, predictable wages and human oversight of automated decisions.

However, the road to reform hasn’t been smooth. Some member states have diluted draft rules, leaving significant discretion to national law and court interpretations that may preserve the status quo in many markets. Meanwhile, debates in national legislatures — such as in France — reflect deep divisions over how best to balance platform growth with worker security.

In stark contrast, the United States lacks a unified federal gig work standard. Although some cities and states have passed targeted measures — and California’s AB5 law aimed to reclassify many gig workers as employees — federal labour policy has remained fragmented. Human Rights Watch has documented how this regulatory patchwork can lead to workers earning as little as the effective equivalent of US$5.12 per hour once expenses are factored in.

Meanwhile, parts of Latin America and Asia are emerging as important case studies in blended regulatory innovation. In Mexico, a new regime grants platform workers access to social security benefits traditionally reserved for employees — from healthcare to retirement plans — while preserving some flexibility.Singapore’s Platform Workers Act, effective from January 2025, similarly requires platforms to contribute to national social security systems and extends workers’ compensation and medical insurance protections. Malaysia’s Gig Workers Bill 2025further signals the region’s growing appetite for ensuring minimum protections in this expanding labour sector.

The Human Cost of Fragmented Policy

These divergent regulatory paths have real consequences for gig workers. Across regions, companies often classify their workforce as independent contractors; a classification that limits access to benefits such as paid leave, minimum wage protections, health insurance and collective bargaining rights.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) — based in Geneva — has underscored the urgency of action. In 2025, the ILO advanced efforts to develop binding global labour standards for platform work, aiming to address misclassification, wage insecurity, safety risks and algorithmic control mechanisms that evade traditional employer accountability.

The economic realities underscored by these debates reveal a complex picture: while gig work can offer a crucial income stream for millions, it often does so without the social safety nets that protect traditional employees. The World Bank estimates that up to 400 million people worldwide now earn income through platform work, yet many remain vulnerable to market volatility, algorithmic surveillance and income uncertainty.

Balancing Flexibility with Fundamental Rights

Proponents of a robust regulatory framework argue that establishing clear worker classifications and protections will improve economic stability without undermining innovation. Strong rules on algorithmic transparency, worker representation and social benefits could help ensure that gig work isn’t a race to the bottom, but rather a viable, dignified form of employment in the digital age.

Critics, including some business groups, warn that too heavy a hand could stifle growth, increase costs and reduce opportunities — especially in markets where platforms provide essential services and supplemental income. The debate comes down to a central question: how can governments craft policies that protect workers while preserving the flexibility that makes the gig economy attractive?

Towards a Global Consensus?

As gig work continues its rapid expansion, the need for coherent global standards has never been more apparent. The contrasting regulatory frameworks — from Europe’s evolving protections to North America’s patchwork policies and Asia’s emerging legislative experiments — underscore the absence of a universal model.

The world stands at an inflection point: without coordinated policies that recognize both the opportunities and risks of digital labour, disparities between regions are likely to widen. Geneva, as a hub for international labour governance, remains central to these global discussions — where the future of work is being reshaped, one regulation at a time.

UN’s AI Ethics Push: How Global Governance Shapes Tech’s Future

As artificial intelligence spreads into every corner of global life — from healthcare and education to defence and digital communication — the United Nations is intensifying efforts to shape a global ethical framework for its development and deployment. Far beyond technical standards, this push reflects a deeper debate about values, equity, and human rights in the digital age.

From Innovation to Governance

AI technologies promise remarkable benefits: early disease detection, improved disaster response, optimized transport systems and new tools for sustainable development. Yet these same technologies carry risks — from discrimination baked into algorithms to threats to privacy, social trust and democratic institutions.

Recognizing this dual potential, the United Nations has moved to establish multilateral mechanisms and normative guidance aimed at responsible and inclusive AI governance. In 2025, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to create two new bodies: a Global Dialogue on AI Governance and an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI. The former brings together governments, civil society and private sector actors to discuss policy and cooperation. The latter, composed of experts from across all regions, will produce impartial scientific assessments on the opportunities and dangers of AI, shaping global policy discourse.

Shaping Global Standards, Not Just National Rules

Unlike national regulations that reflect individual legal systems, the UN’s initiatives aim for international consensus and cooperation. This is crucial because AI systems operate across borders: an algorithm trained in one country can influence elections, financial markets and public discourse halfway around the world. Uncoordinated rules risk creating a fragmented global landscape where ethical standards and protections vary widely — or where major technological powers set the norms by default.

In parallel, UNESCO’s Global AI Ethics and Governance Observatory offers a resource for countries to assess readiness and adopt ethical AI practices. Built on principles adopted by 193 UN Member States, it brings together research, toolkits and best practices to help governments implement policies that respect human rights, fairness, transparency and sustainability.

A Broader Coalition for the Future

The UN’s AI governance efforts are not happening in isolation. Collaborations with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) are strengthening policy responses across countries, helping to align AI ethics with existing economic and social frameworks.

Regional leadership also contributes to this evolving agenda. For example, initiatives in Africa emphasize locally relevant AI that reflects linguistic, cultural and developmental priorities, rather than imported standards that don’t fit local contexts.

The Stakes: Equitable, Responsible AI or Fragmented Governance?

Global governance of AI is not just technical; it is fundamentally political and ethical. It involves questions of who benefits from AI, who is protected from harm, and how technologies can be shaped to support global development goals rather than exacerbate inequality or disrupt democratic processes.

At the same time, geopolitical competition — especially between major powers like the United States and China — introduces complexity. Competing visions for AI governance raise the risk of inconsistent regulatory landscapes and pressure on international institutions to mediate these differences.

Conclusion: A New Era of Digital Diplomacy

The nature of global governance itself is evolving. As technologies like AI grow more powerful and pervasive, the frameworks that once governed trade, health or security must adapt. The UN’s AI ethics initiatives — including global dialogues, scientific assessments and normative observatories — represent a significant effort to ensure that the future of AI aligns with human rights, equity and shared prosperity.

In an increasingly interconnected digital world, the question is no longer whether we govern AI — but how we do so in ways that reflect shared values while embracing innovation.