Global South Perspectives Network (GSPN)

Background and Overview

GSPN is a collaborative network of think tanks and individual experts that promotes more inclusive multilateralism and fairer global governance from a Global South perspective. Through exchanges, joint initiatives, and participation in global policy discussions, it amplifies Global South voices and contributes to a more balanced international order. Founded with FOGGS, the Inclusive Society Institute, and HumanizaCom as co-conveners, the network continues to operate following FOGGS's closure and maintains its own site at globalsouthperspectives.org.

The network emerged amid successive global crises following the end of the Cold War—intensifying climate change, the 2008 financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, food and water insecurity, and ongoing conflicts. Global governance debates have long been dominated by industrialized countries, but Global South actors are increasingly articulating their own perspectives on cooperation and policy. GSPN was established to provide a dedicated platform for these voices, fostering dialogue and collaboration on the future of multilateralism and UN reform, and to ensure that countries and societies from the Global South are equal partners in shaping international decision-making.

Vision

To be the leading network of think tanks and experts advocating for a more inclusive multilateral system and policies that reflect the perspectives and priorities of the Global South. (About GSPN)

Objectives

• Provide a platform for exchanging news, research, and ideas on multilateralism and international policy coordination.
• Undertake and disseminate research on global governance and international cooperation.
• Advocate for a more inclusive international order with fairer policies.
• Expand and strengthen the network of participating think tanks and experts.

Organisation and Membership

GSPN was established by three co-founding organizations. The Inclusive Society Institute and HumanizaCom continue to convene the network.

HumanizaCom

Hosts research, technical, and outreach projects at the Methodist University of São Paulo, focusing on communication and journalism related to humanitarian issues, peace journalism, media interventions, and risk communication, in collaboration with national and international partners.

Inclusive Society Institute

An autonomous research and policy organization in South Africa dedicated to strengthening multi-party democracy and advancing social justice, cohesion, and economic development through research, dialogue, and collaboration.

Foundation for Global Governance and Sustainability (FOGGS)

A Brussels-based think-and-do tank (2013 - 2026) that co-founded GSPN and worked on global governance reform and sustainable globalization, acting as research centre, discussion forum, and advocacy platform with a focus on strengthening the UN and global governance for human security, resilience, and peace. FOGGS has since ceased operations.

Two initiatives formerly convened by FOGGS — the Katoikos.world online magazine and the Monday Open Consultations — were transferred to GSPN following its closure and now operate under the Network's convening support.

Member Institutions

The network brings together think tanks and research organizations spanning Africa, Latin America, and Europe, including the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, the Institute for Global Dialogue (South Africa), the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies (Somalia), the Africa Policy Institute (Kenya), the Mashariki Research & Policy Centre (Kenya), the Kamanda Rajabu Diwani Centre (Tanzania), and the Transatlantic Institute for South-South Cooperation (Senegal), among others. The full membership is listed on the GSPN participating institutions page.

How the Network Works

GSPN's activities centre on structured dialogue, collaborative research, and engagement in international policy processes:

• Policy Dialogues — Regular online sessions addressing key governance issues, with guiding questions circulated in advance to focus contributions and ensure substantive exchange among members.
• Open Consultation Mondays — A monthly open-access series launched in 2026, broadening participation beyond the core network. Each session generates a published discussion summary contributing to an ongoing multilateral policy dialogue.
• Katoikos.world — The Katoikos online magazine (formerly run by FOGGS) was transferred to the Global South Perspectives Network (GSPN) following FOGGS's closure and now continues under the Network's auspices.
• Information and Research Exchange — Members share publications, events, and analysis produced by their institutions, and flag upcoming international processes where coordinated engagement can amplify Global South perspectives.
• Collaborative Research and Advocacy — Joint production of policy briefs and reports on multilateral reform, submitted to and presented at UN-level processes including the Summit of the Future and the UN General Assembly high-level segment.
• Engagement in International Processes — Active participation in high-level UN meetings, regional consultations, and global governance reform discussions, including side events at the UN General Assembly and contributions to the Pact for the Future process.

Events under FOGGS stewardship

Past and upcoming events are listed on the GSPN events page.

Publications

• Global South Perspectives on Global Governance Reform (2023) — A policy report articulating the priorities and perspectives of Global South think tanks on the reform of the multilateral system, launched at the UNGA high-level segment in New York.

• An Enhanced Role for the UN in Peace & Human Security (2023) — A companion report examining how the United Nations can strengthen its role in promoting sustainable peace and human security, developed in collaboration with GSPN member organizations.

The network publishes ongoing research outcomes, discussion summaries available on the GSPN publications page.

Outcomes and Impact

Since its establishment, GSPN has grown into an active cross-regional community committed to inclusive multilateralism. Key outcomes include:

• A sustained and expanding network spanning Africa, Latin America, and Europe, now comprising over fifteen member institutions across more than a dozen countries.
• Direct engagement with the UN Summit of the Future process, contributing Global South analysis to the Pact for the Future and its Zero Draft consultations.
• A growing publications series through Open Consultation Mondays, producing policy-relevant discussion summaries on multilateral reform, great-power rivalry, and the future of global institutions.
• Continued operation as an independent network following FOGGS's closure, demonstrating the durability and value of the initiative beyond any single founding organization.