Plenary IX: North–South Partnerships: Managing Expectations and Realities

In an era of global interdependence, North–South partnerships remain central to addressing shared challenges—from sustainable development and energy transition to digital transformation and migration. Yet, despite renewed rhetoric around “mutual benefit” and “shared prosperity,” these relationships are often marked by asymmetries in power, finance, and voice. Expectations from the Global South regarding technology transfer, fair trade, and governance reform frequently collide with the realities of strategic interests, conditionalities, and divergent priorities among Northern partners. This conversation will critically examine how to reconcile ambition with realism in reimagining North–South cooperation. Participants will explore the evolving nature of partnership frameworks, assess the balance between solidarity and self-interest, and identify pathways for building trust and accountability in an increasingly multipolar world.
· How can North–South partnerships evolve beyond traditional donor–recipient dynamics to reflect genuine mutual interests and shared responsibilities?
· In what ways do differing political priorities and economic capacities between North and South partners shape the outcomes of cooperation frameworks?
· How can Southern actors strengthen their negotiation power within global partnerships to ensure fairer and more sustainable outcomes?
· What practical mechanisms—financial, institutional, or diplomatic—can help translate partnership rhetoric into balanced and accountable collaboration?