Leaders of developing nations will gather in Abu Dhabi to discuss the unprecedented US$4 trillion shortfall that developing nations face in financing sustainable development. The first-ever Global South Economic Forum (GSEF), set for June 17, 2025, will bring together policymakers, experts, think-tankers, technocrats and innovators to drive solutions for closing this critical gap and advancing the ambitions of the developing nations.
The Centre of Geoeconomics for the Global South, in partnership Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies of China (ACCWS), and Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research The high-level GSEF-2025 forum aims to reimagine the economic frameworks of a global future with greater equity.
His Excellency Ahmed Al Sayegh Minister of State, Economic and Trade Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE, Will deliver the keynote speech in the plenary session. This will include a discussion panel in the presence Jawad al Anani Former Deputy Prime Minister, Jordan, H.E. Christian Cardona, Former Trade Minister, Malta, H.E. Seyed Sajjadpour, The following are some examples of the use of Vice Foreign Minister of Iran H.E. Nickolay Mladenov, DG, AGDA.
In 2025, it is estimated that the global funding gap for sustainable development will be US$4 trillion per year. The gap has increased significantly from previous year’s figures, due to factors such as climate changes, conflicts, and geopolitical uncertainties. The gap is 60 percent larger than previous estimates. It has risen from US$2.5 billion to US$4 trillion.
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The financing gap is a threat to the Sustainable Development Goals, such as ending global poverty, combating climate change and building sustainable economies. UN officials have called on urgent action to close the funding gap, highlighting the need for additional resources and global financial reform. The United Nations has called for action urgently to close this gap, highlighting the need for more resources and an overhaul of global finance..
The GSEF 2025 aims to address the most pressing concerns of the Global South. The forum will explore the changing trends in geoeconomics and multipolarity. The forum will look at ways to improve regional economic integration, including through infrastructure development and trade blocs. It will also explore collaborative initiatives that strengthen economic ties between the Global South. Harnessing the transformative potential of emerging technologies – such as artificial intelligence, green energy, and digital finance – will be a key focus, aiming to drive sustainable development and ensure greater cooperation.
The agenda also emphasizes the importance media and narrative building by empowering authentic Global South perspectives, countering biased and amplifying alternatives perspectives. In this forum, the UAE’s unique role as a strategic link will be promoted, with a focus on its contribution to North South and South South connectivity through innovation, logistics and investment.
Mohammed Saqib says that COGGS was founded by Mohammed Saqib. “GSEF 2025 aims serve as a pivotal forum for multilateral discussion, enabling cooperation and enhancing the potential collective of nations throughout the Global South. Global South is not a passive recipient of global trends in economics, but a powerful influencer. This Forum is crucial in creating pathways to shared prosperity, and a more equitable global economic order..”
The inaugural edition will host over 100 [MOU1] The UAE has sent delegates, including over 20 state representatives as well as members of the diplomatic corps. The Bureau of Research on Industries and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF India) is facilitating the presence of the Indian delegation at the forum.
