Experts underscored the need for more effective international cooperation, emphasizing its critical role in enhancing global development stability amid growing uncertainties and challenges.
They made the remarks at the launch event of the Global Development Report 2026, held on Nov 6. The report, themed "Enhancing Global Development Stability Through Cooperation," emphasizes that stability is an essential prerequisite for global development, achievable only through the collective efforts of the international community.
It lists multiple impediments to global development, including volatile global trade policies, regional conflicts and a sharp decline in the supply of global public goods. "Faced with an international landscape with increasing instability, it is especially important for the parties to engage in open and frank dialogues to deepen mutual understanding and build consensus on cooperation," the report stated.
Pascal Lamy, former director-general of the World Trade Organization, reinforced this call, noting that "international cooperation must become more effective, not merely more frequent".
He highlighted climate change, artificial intelligence, and trade as critical global development concerns. Focusing specifically on AI, Lamy stressed its emergence as a key issue. He said, "Despite different political and regulatory approaches, we should be able to agree on one fundamental principle: We must avoid losing human control over AI," suggesting this could guide practical cooperation.
Dereje Rahmet Tesfa, a policy researcher from Ethiopia's Policy Studies Institute, noted the report "resonates deeply with what I have witnessed on the ground across the Global South". He pointed to "overlapping crises", such as geopolitical tensions, climate shocks, food insecurity, and the shrinking of shared development assistance, as undermining global stability.
"No African nation can insulate itself from these global pressures. Therefore, the report's core message that cooperation is essential for stable global development is not just a cure, but a daily reality for millions in the Global South," he said.
Alexia Latortue, head of the secretariat of the Future of Development Cooperation Coalition, highlighted a paradigm shift in development cooperation. "We are no longer in a binary world of donors and recipients," she said. "Countries can contribute and benefit in different ways at the same time."
"Countries want partnerships that help them pursue their priorities. They also want to contribute knowledge, investment, technology, and experience. Cooperation must reflect that reality," Latortue added.
Osama El Gohary, assistant to the prime minister of Egypt and chairman of the Egyptian Cabinet Information and Decision Support Center, shared that Egypt's experience has shown that global instability has direct consequences for national development.
He cited disruptions to international trade routes and rising energy and food prices as placing immense pressure on developing economies, diverting resources from crucial investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and job creation.
"Egypt attaches great importance to strengthening South-South cooperation, expanding international partnership and sharing development experiences," El Gohary stated. "Because in today's interconnected world, development cannot be sustained in isolation, and stability cannot be achieved without cooperation."
The Global Development Report, authored by the Center for International Knowledge on Development, serves as a knowledge product supporting the implementation of the Global Development Initiative. This year marks the report's fifth annual release. More than 100 representatives from international organizations, foreign embassies in China, and relevant Chinese government departments and think tanks attended the launch event.
