The participation of Kenyan President William Ruto at the G7
Summit in Évian-les-Bains comes at a time when the international system is
undergoing profound transformation. The world is no longer defined by a handful
of dominant economies setting the agenda for everyone else.
Emerging economies across Africa, Asia, Latin America and
the Middle East are playing an increasingly important role in global growth,
trade, innovation and diplomacy. As a result, discussions about the future of
global governance must increasingly reflect the perspectives and priorities of
the Global South.
The G7 remains an influential platform. Its members
collectively represent significant economic and political power and the forum
continues to shape debates on global security, climate policy, technological
development and economic stability. Yet the realities of the 21st century
demand broader participation in decision-making processes. Many developing
countries believe that existing international institutions do not adequately
reflect the demographic, economic and political shifts that have taken place
over recent decades.
This is one reason why BRICS has attracted growing attention
throughout the Global South. Unlike traditional Western-led institutions, BRICS
has positioned itself as a platform advocating a more balanced and
representative international order. Its appeal lies not in opposition to any
particular group of countries but in its support for greater inclusivity,
mutual respect and equitable participation in global affairs.
The contrast between the G7 and BRICS highlights a broader
debate about the future of multilateralism. True multilateralism requires that
all nations, regardless of their size or level of development, have a
meaningful voice in shaping international policies. It is based on the
principle that global challenges require collective solutions and that no
country should be excluded from decisions that affect the wider international
community.
For the Global South, multilateralism is not merely a
diplomatic slogan. It is an essential framework for addressing issues such as
development financing, climate change, food security, public health and
technological advancement. Countries facing similar challenges can achieve far
more through cooperation than through isolation. In a world marked by growing
uncertainty, stronger multilateral institutions can help reduce tensions,
promote dialogue and strengthen international stability.
Equally important is the principle of free trade. Throughout
history, trade has been one of the most effective drivers of economic growth
and poverty reduction. Open markets create opportunities for investment,
innovation and job creation. For developing economies, however, free trade must
also be fair trade. Access to international markets should support
industrialisation, value addition and economic diversification rather than
perpetuating dependence on raw material exports.
Many countries in the Global South are seeking trade
partnerships that encourage infrastructure development, technology transfer,
manufacturing growth and skills development. They want economic relationships
based on mutual benefit rather than dependency. This approach reflects a
growing desire to build resilient economies capable of competing in an
increasingly interconnected world.
South-South cooperation has emerged as one of the most
important mechanisms for advancing these goals. By strengthening economic, technological
and political ties among developing countries, South-South cooperation creates
opportunities for shared learning and collective progress. Countries with
similar development experiences often possess practical solutions that can be
adapted and replicated elsewhere.
Across Africa, Asia and Latin America, partnerships are
expanding in areas such as agriculture, renewable energy, digital technology,
infrastructure, education and public health. These collaborations demonstrate
that development is not a one-way process in which knowledge flows exclusively
from wealthy nations to poorer ones. Instead, innovation and expertise can
emerge from any part of the world.
Climate change further underscores the need for inclusive
cooperation. Developing countries are among the most vulnerable to extreme
weather events, droughts, floods and food insecurity. Addressing these
challenges requires meaningful international collaboration, equitable climate
financing and access to green technologies. The voices of developing nations
must be central to discussions about environmental sustainability because they
are often on the front lines of climate impacts.
The growing prominence of the Global South does not mean
existing institutions should be discarded. Rather, it highlights the need for
reform and adaptation. Forums such as the G7 continue to play an important role
in addressing global challenges. At the same time, the rise of BRICS reflects
legitimate aspirations for a more representative and multipolar world order.
For countries like Kenya, the choice is not between one
forum and another. The objective should be to engage constructively with all
partners while advancing national and regional interests. The future of global
governance will depend on building bridges, not creating new divisions. As
leaders gather to discuss the challenges of our time, one reality is becoming
increasingly clear. Sustainable peace, shared prosperity, effective
multilateralism, free trade, climate action and South-South cooperation are not
competing visions. Together, they form the foundation of a more inclusive
international system in which the Global South is not merely a participant, but
a partner in shaping the future.
The writer is a
journalist and communication consultant
President William Ruto joins other leaders including United States President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for a group photo during the G7 Leaders' Summit in Evian, France on 16/6/2026 /JONAH MWANGI/PCS. 
