As global challenges become more complex and the Global South takes on greater weight, this is an opportunity to rethink the North–South relationship. The Global North, particularly the West, is often seen as too entrenched in its own “echo chamber”—finding it difficult to move beyond its long-established primacy and adapt its pre-set ways of engaging with the rest of the world. At the same time, the Global South is often seen as seeking a greater voice without being equally willing to step up in resources, responsibility, and leadership.

Can both sides break out of these constraints and redefine the relationship? What would it take to build a North–South partnership that is more equal, more progressive, and more resilient to the pressures of today’s world? What principles should underpin this relationship? How do countries with different political systems, priorities, and levels of development find common ground? How do we move beyond donor–recipient ties? And amid geopolitical divides and increasing rivalries over scarce resources, what new ways and formats can drive progress on the global agenda, build trust, and deliver cooperation?