Former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has emphasized the need for stronger domestic institutions, greater local financing, and improved state capacity to address the rising debt pressures and changes in the international development landscape facing countries in the Global South. Speaking at a Presidential Roundtable organised by the Open Society Foundation in New York, Mahama highlighted the importance of creating jobs, improving public services, and expanding opportunities, particularly for young people.
Mahama's comments come at a time when many countries in the Global South are grappling with significant development challenges. He stressed that sovereignty, in this context, means the capacity to act and deliver development outcomes, rather than relying on external support. This, he believes, can be achieved by strengthening domestic institutions and improving state capacity.
The former President also emphasized the need for stronger coordination across government, greater domestic resource mobilisation, and sound financial management. He noted that effective institutions are necessary to translate development policies into measurable results and ensure that successful interventions can be sustained beyond individual programmes.
According to Mahama, sustainable development in the Global South requires institutions capable of delivering results while mobilising and managing resources effectively. He suggested that where an approach proves successful, it should be adopted into public systems, local delivery institutions, and long-term financing models.
The Presidential Roundtable brought together presidents and chief executives of major global foundations to discuss sustainable development, financing, and institutional strengthening across the Global South. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, providing a platform for leaders to share ideas and strategies for addressing common development challenges.
Mahama's call for stronger institutions and local financing is seen as a critical step towards achieving sustainable development in the Global South. His emphasis on job creation, public service improvement, and expanded opportunities for young people resonates with many development experts who believe that these are key drivers of economic growth and social progress.
The event was organised by the Open Society Foundation, a global organisation that works to promote democracy, human rights, and social justice. The foundation's efforts to bring together leaders to discuss sustainable development and institutional strengthening reflect its commitment to supporting positive change in countries around the world.
Key points
- Mahama calls for stronger domestic institutions to address rising debt pressures in the Global South.
- He emphasizes the need for greater local financing and improved state capacity to deliver development outcomes.
- The Presidential Roundtable provided a platform for leaders to discuss sustainable development, financing, and institutional strengthening across the Global South.
