Part 5/12:
A recurring theme at the conference was regional integration within the Global South as a means of fostering solidarity and resilience amid external pressures like Western protectionism and tariffs. Savik underscores the importance of forging stronger intra-regional trade and cooperation, citing initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area and growing Latin American ties.
Jeff Sachs, a keynote speaker at the event, highlighted regionalism as a vital strategy during this geopolitical and economic juncture. Such integration can bolster collective bargaining power, reduce dependency on external markets, and accelerate development in less connected regions.