Global Southing

The world is changing fast, but most conversations still explain it from the same old centers of power.

Global Southing is a show about what’s shifting across the Global South and why it matters. We look at the forces shaping the next decade: new alliances, trade routes, economic blocs, technology standards, and the real policy decisions happening across MENA, Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.

Each episode features conversations with researchers, policymakers, operators, and thinkers who connect what’s happening on the ground to the bigger global picture. The goal is to keep it clear and grounded, so you leave with a better understanding of how countries are building influence, setting standards, and changing how the world works.

If you care about geopolitics, global economics, development, and the future of global rules, this show is for you.

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11 episodes
Updated Today
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Episodes11

Newest first

Today · 43 min
How Space Exploration Can Transform a Nation | Dr. Noora Alsaeed
Space exploration is no longer reserved for global superpowers. As countries across the Global South invest more seriously in science, a bigger question emerges: how can research, curiosity, and long-term investment help shape a nation’s future both on Earth and beyond it? In this episode of Global Southing, we speak with Dr. Noora Alsaeed, planetary scientist and Science Principal Investigator for the Emirates Mars Mission, about the UAE’s journey into space, the role of science in national development, women in STEM, the pressures facing young researchers, and what it takes to build stronger scientific ecosystems across the Global South. Tune in to learn: → Why the Global South has always contributed to scientific discovery → How political stability and economic priorities influence scientific progress → Why space exploration can strengthen technology, engineering, and innovation → What planetary scientists actually do with data from Mars missions → How the Emirates Mars Mission inspired a new generation of scientists → Why international collaboration is essential to modern space exploration → What makes careers in science difficult for young researchers → How governments and institutions can build stronger scientific ecosystems Key Moments 1:13 What it feels like to work as a planetary scientist 2:09 Looking into the past to understand the future 3:26 The Global South’s contribution to scientific knowledge 11:12 Why middle powers should invest in space exploration 14:44 What a planetary scientist actually does 22:12 Women in science and the UAE’s unique experience 26:29 The ambition behind the Emirates Mars Mission 39:22 Building stronger scientific ecosystems in the Global South Follow Global Southing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-southing/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalsouthing/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@globalsouthing Listen to the podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0R17ovyZOxFjSrIGM5TjcZ?si=580a700875544cb1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/global-southing/id1874600009
June 25 · 47 min
Africa Is Broadcasting Its Own Rise | Stanley Similo
Africa’s future cannot be told only through outside narratives. But behind those headlines is a deeper question: how can Africa shape its own future, tell its own stories, and create opportunities for a rapidly growing generation? In this episode of Global Southing, we speak with Stanley Similo, Director General of the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation, about Africa’s rise, the role of media in shaping public opinion, youth employment, digital transformation, education, trade integration, and the continent’s growing influence within the Global South. Tune in to learn: → Why Africa’s growing population can become a major force for development → How youth employment and entrepreneurship will shape the continent’s future → Why governments need to invest in technology, education, and innovation hubs → How African media can help reclaim the continent’s narrative globally → Why digital transformation is creating new opportunities across fintech, agritech, and healthcare → Why value addition and local manufacturing matter for economic growth → How African trade integration can support long-term development → How stronger cooperation within Africa and the Global South can accelerate progress Key Moments 1:12 Africa’s population growth and future opportunity 2:08 Youth unemployment and entrepreneurship 4:22 Infrastructure, technology, and urban growth 7:00 Media’s role in shaping public opinion 10:50 Reclaiming Africa’s global narrative 17:07 Africa’s digital transformation sectors 29:24 African trade integration and AfCFTA 45:35 Africa’s future within the Global South Follow Global Southing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-southing/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalsouthing/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@globalsouthing Listen to the podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0R17ovyZOxFjSrIGM5TjcZ?si=580a700875544cb1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/global-southing/id1874600009
June 15 · 37 min
Why Africa Must Build Its Own Digital Platforms | Mactar Silla
Africa's digital future is often discussed through statistics and projections. But behind the numbers is a continent building its own solutions, expanding access, and creating new opportunities through technology. In this episode of Global Southing, we speak with Mactar Silla, Founder and CEO of Label TV, about the realities shaping Africa's digital transformation, from internet access and mobile money to AI, digital infrastructure, regulation, and local innovation. The conversation explores the challenges of connectivity, the role of governments and the private sector, the importance of African languages in technology, and why Africa must become a creator of digital platforms rather than simply a consumer of them. Tune in to learn: → Why internet access in Africa is about more than just connectivity numbers → How mobile money emerged from everyday needs and transformed payments → What governments must do to make digital services more accessible → Why internet affordability remains a major barrier to inclusion → How AI can better serve African languages and local contexts → What is driving the gender gap in digital access across Africa → Why Africa needs its own platforms, cloud infrastructure, and digital ecosystems → How digital innovation can create opportunities for Africa's young population Key Moments 1:07 Why Africa's internet usage may be larger than official figures suggest 4:22 The rural-urban divide and the challenge of digital inclusion 6:44 How mobile money was born from a simple everyday problem 10:31 What African governments are getting right in digital transformation 15:25 AI, African languages, and the need for local solutions 19:22 Can Africa contribute to the global ethics debate around AI? 22:07 Understanding the gender gap in digital access 26:36 Why Africa needs its own platforms, cloud infrastructure, and tech champions Follow Global Southing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-southing/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalsouthing/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@globalsouthing Listen to the podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0R17ovyZOxFjSrIGM5TjcZ?si=580a700875544cb1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/global-southing/id1874600009
May 23 · 42 min
Why the World Needs Global South Animation | Marwa Jamil
Animation from the Global South is growing. But most of the world still has not seen the full depth of its stories, styles, languages, and creative identity. In this episode of Global Southing, we speak with Marwa Jamil, Founder of Animation House Studio, about the future of animation in the Arab world and across the Global South. The conversation explores why authentic storytelling matters more than copying Western formats, how animation can preserve culture and language, and why the region still faces challenges around funding, awareness, training, and creative infrastructure. Tune in to learn: → Why animation production in the Global South is still emerging → How authentic local stories can travel beyond borders → Why copying Western styles limits creative identity → What it really takes to produce animation from scratch → How AI can support animation without replacing originality → Why short-form content is creating new opportunities for animators → How language, culture, and accents can shape children’s media → Why the future of Global South animation is promising Key Moments 00:00 Introduction to Global Southing 01:03 Why animation in the Global South still struggles to scale 05:00 The need for original styles, not copied Western influence 10:54 The real process behind animation production 15:58 How global platforms are opening doors for animators 21:15 Why short-form content can work for animation 29:05 Language, culture, and identity in kids’ animation 40:29 AI, virtual worlds, and the future of animation Follow Global Southing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-southing/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalsouthing/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@globalsouthing
May 1 · 42 min
How the Global South Calls the Shots | Dr. Shaojin Chai
Soft power is changing, and the Global South is becoming a bigger part of that shift. In this episode of Global Southing, we speak with Dr. Shaojin Chai from Education Without Borders International about how culture, language, tourism, sports, religion, and media shape influence beyond politics and economics. The conversation explores how the Global South can use its cultural depth, diversity, and lived experience to build a stronger global presence. Dr. Chai also reflects on South-South cooperation, social media, misinformation, and why authentic cultural influence may become one of the region’s strongest tools in shaping future global narratives. Tune in to learn: → Why soft power from the Global South is based on attraction, not dominance → How culture, language, and identity shape global perception → Why diversity in storytelling is becoming essential in global narratives → How film, media, and cultural industries are expanding Global South influence → The role of language diplomacy and why English still dominates communication → How tourism and real-world experience can challenge media bias → Why sports, religion, and cultural exchange play a role in diplomacy → How social media is shifting narrative control away from traditional power centers → What South-South cooperation really looks like beyond political forums → Why the future of soft power depends on authenticity and pluralism Key Moments 00:00 Introduction to soft power and the Global South 01:03 Introducing Dr. Shaojin Chai 03:14 Redefining soft power beyond military and economic strength 05:02 How the Global South brings a more authentic cultural perspective 08:30 Language diplomacy and the Confucius Institute model 10:54 Bollywood, Nollywood, and the spread of cultural influence 17:26 Language as strategy, partnership, and business tool 21:27 Tourism and changing global perceptions 26:25 Sports diplomacy and global image building 37:02 Soft power, smart power, and global conflicts Follow Global Southing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-southing/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalsouthing/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@globalsouthing Watch to full episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/-1Oaw-ykGZU?si=aobaTyRUzDDl5y1d
April 20 · 24 min
How the Global South Is Reclaiming Media Power | Hind Khlaifat
As media power continues to shift, the Global South is no longer just part of the conversation. It is becoming central to how the world tells its stories. In this episode of Global Southing, we speak with Hind Khlaifat, General Manager of Deraya Speakers, about the role of storytelling, media leadership, and cultural identity in shaping a more authentic global narrative. The conversation explores how voices from the Global South have long been underrepresented in global media, despite representing the majority of the world’s population. Hind reflects on why authenticity, dignity, and rooted storytelling matter more than ever, and why media from the Global South should not be seen as an alternative, but as an essential part of the full picture. This episode also looks at how digital platforms, youth audiences, and changing content habits are opening new opportunities for creators, journalists, and communicators across the Global South. From classical journalism to social media, from cultural memory to diaspora connection, the discussion asks what it takes to create media that is not just visible, but meaningful. Tune in to learn: → Why the Global South remains underrepresented in global media narratives → How authenticity and human dignity can shape stronger storytelling → Why cultural identity is one of the biggest strengths in content creation → How media from the Global South can connect communities across the diaspora → What digital platforms are changing for storytellers, journalists, and creators → Why not every creator needs to chase trends to make an impact → How to think about media influence beyond virality and numbers → What young spokespersons and future media leaders need to build confidence and presence Key Moments 00:00 Introduction to media power, digital growth, and who gets to tell Global South stories 01:34 Introducing Hind Khlaifat and the conversation on media leadership 02:00 The roots of Global South storytelling and how identity shapes narrative 04:01 Why media imbalance still exists and how it can begin to shift 05:50 Why authenticity and quality matter in correcting unfair narratives 08:01 Journalism, simplicity, and creating from values rather than numbers 10:00 Can authentic content compete in the digital age? 12:09 The role of culture, tradition, and storytelling in global media 14:29 How media can connect diaspora communities through identity and human values 16:12 Trends, shallow content, and why chasing the crowd is not the only path 18:03 What “media immunity” means in an age of content overload 19:13 Digital platforms and whether they help Global South stories travel further 21:22 Advice for young speakers, media professionals, and future leaders 23:57 Why Global South media is essential to telling the full story of our time
April 2 · 41 min
Can the Global South Lead the Future of Farming?
As climate pressure intensifies and food security becomes a growing global concern, modern farming is no longer a niche conversation. It is becoming a strategic necessity. In this episode of Global Southing, we speak with Mahdi Alhindawi, CEO of ENJAZPONI, about how vertical farming, hydroponics, and agricultural innovation can reshape the future of food production, especially across the Global South. The conversation explores how soilless farming can reduce water use, expand cultivation in arid environments, and open new possibilities for climate-smart agriculture. Mahdi also shares how advances in AI, robotics, glass technology, and seed development are pushing farming into a new era, one where countries once limited by land, water, or weather may be able to build stronger food systems and even move toward surplus production. This episode also looks at the wider ecosystem needed to make that future possible, from government support and private sector investment to youth engagement, education, and cross-border collaboration. Tune in to learn: → Why vertical farming is becoming a serious solution for food security → How hydroponics can reduce water use and support farming in arid regions → Why modern farming is gaining momentum after climate change and COVID-era supply chain shocks → How AI, sensors, robotics, and drones are changing the future of agriculture → The role of glasshouse innovation and solar power in making vertical farming more efficient → Why seed innovation will become increasingly important for local food systems → How modern farming could create new opportunities for youth and future job markets → Why education, policy support, and public-private collaboration are critical to scaling agricultural innovation Key Moments 00:00 Introduction to modern farming, food security, and agricultural innovation 01:45 Why vertical farming matters for uncultivated and water-scarce regions 07:10 Why food security gained urgency after COVID and climate disruption 08:35 Water savings, year-round crops, and the broader benefits of hydroponics 09:20 AI, IoT, drones, and robotics in the future of farming 13:00 The race toward organic hydroponics and future export potential 15:05 How modern farming could reshape jobs and attract younger generations 20:20 Seed innovation, localization, and climate adaptation 29:35 Is vertical farming climate-smart agriculture? 33:15 The role of government, policy support, and stakeholders Follow Global Southing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-southing/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalsouthing/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@globalsouthing Follow the guest Mahdi Alhindawi https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahdi-alhindawi-91812649/
March 13 · 45 min
The Middle East Conflict and the Global South Response
Escalating tensions between Iran, the United States, Israel, and regional powers are reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. What began as targeted military strikes is quickly evolving into a confrontation with global implications for security, energy markets, and international diplomacy. In this episode of Global Southing, we speak with Dr. Dania Koleilat Khatib, expert on U.S.–Gulf relations and President of the Research Center for Cooperation and Peace Building, about what this escalating conflict means for the Middle East and the Global South. The conversation examines the legality of preemptive strikes, the economic consequences of rising oil prices and disrupted trade routes, and the broader geopolitical tensions driving the crisis. Dr. Khatib also discusses shifting alliances, the limits of diplomacy, and how countries in the Global South are reassessing their political and economic strategies in an increasingly multipolar world. Tune in to learn: → Why the current Middle East escalation has global economic consequences → The legal and geopolitical debates surrounding preemptive military strikes → How disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could affect global trade and energy markets → Why oil prices are becoming a central geopolitical pressure point → The potential refugee and humanitarian consequences of regional instability → How Gulf countries are reassessing their security alliances → The growing push among Global South nations to reduce dependence on Western financial systems → Why new regional security architectures may reshape the future of Middle Eastern diplomacy Key Moments 00:00 Introduction and the escalating Middle East crisis 01:30 The legality of the strikes and the geopolitical context 05:20 Iran’s strategy and regional escalation risks 09:40 The role of diplomacy and regional mediation 17:30 Oil prices, trade routes, and global economic consequences 21:10 Global inflation and energy shocks 24:00 Refugee risks and humanitarian implications 27:00 Global South reactions and shifting geopolitical alignments 30:30 BRICS, financial systems, and economic independence 33:20 Regional security architecture in the Middle East Follow Global Southing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-southing/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalsouthing/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@globalsouthing Follow the guest Dr. Dania Koleilat Khatib Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dania-koleilat-khatib-phd-7193527a/
March 5 · 38 min
Why Africa Is Still Underrepresented in Global Governance
Africa is home to more than 1.5 billion people and over a quarter of the votes in the United Nations General Assembly. Yet its voice in global governance and international institutions often remains underrepresented. In this episode of Global Southing, we speak with Grégoire Ndjaka, CEO of the African Union of Broadcasting, about Africa’s evolving role in multilateralism and how media institutions are helping shape the continent’s global narrative. From the African Union’s diplomatic influence to the power of Pan-African media collaboration, this conversation explores how Africa is working to strengthen its collective voice across international platforms such as the UN, G20, BRICS+, and G77. Ndjaka shares why storytelling, journalism capacity building, and digital connectivity are becoming critical tools in redefining how Africa engages with the world. With insights on media training, digital infrastructure gaps, and the growing importance of South-South cooperation, this episode looks at how Africa is positioning itself in an increasingly multipolar world. Tune in to learn: → Why Africa remains underrepresented in global institutions despite its population and UN voting power → How the African Union is advocating for stronger representation in global governance → Why African media must play a central role in telling Africa’s story to the world → How digital connectivity is reshaping communication and collaboration across the continent → The role of journalist training and capacity building in strengthening Pan-African media → Why cultural diversity within Africa is a strength rather than a barrier to unity → How South-South cooperation and platforms like BRICS+ are creating new opportunities for Africa → What Africa’s rising geopolitical influence could mean in a multipolar world Key Moments 00:00 Introduction and Africa’s growing role in global affairs 01:30 Africa’s representation gap in global institutions 04:20 The African Union and the push for stronger global voice 07:40 Why media matters in shaping Africa’s narrative 11:00 Cultural diversity and understanding across African societies 15:20 Digital connectivity and the transformation of communication 18:30 Risks of misinformation and digital misuse 21:00 South-South cooperation and media partnerships 24:30 Training journalists and building African media capacity 27:30 BRICS+, geopolitics, and Africa’s evolving alliances 31:40 Peacekeeping, diplomacy, and Africa’s future role in multilateralism 35:00 Advice for the next generation shaping Africa’s global engagement Follow Global Southing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-southing/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalsouthing/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@globalsouthing Follow the guest Grégoire Ndjaka: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoire-ndjaka-b34b7614a/ African Union of Broadcasting: https://www.uar-aub.org/
February 19 · 36 min
AI in The Global South: Shaping the Future of Emerging Economies
The global AI race is accelerating, but the real question is who gets to build it, shape it, and benefit from it in the Global South. In this episode of Global Southing, we speak with Anima Anandkumar, AI and Science leader, TIME100 Impact Award Winner, and Caltech Professor, about what it will take for emerging markets to move from AI adoption to real AI agency. From compute access and energy realities to local language data, talent pipelines, and practical use cases in agriculture, weather forecasting, healthcare, and smart cities, this conversation cuts through hype and gets specific about what’s feasible now, what needs policy support, and where the biggest opportunities and risks sit. With grounded examples including AI enabled weather prediction, pandemic preparedness, and disease modeling, Anima explains why democratizing AI is not just about tools, but about infrastructure, education, and local control over data and governance choices. Tune in to learn: → Why access to compute and energy is the real starting line for AI in the Global South → How AI weather forecasting can support food security and climate resilience → What it takes to build local language AI when the data is not online → Where AI can close healthcare gaps, from disease modeling to drug discovery → How cities can use AI for mobility, safety, and pollution monitoring → Why regulation before adoption can slow innovation, and what to do instead → How AI will reshape jobs, and why reskilling speed matters → The infrastructure moves that matter most, including sovereign AI, GPUs, and universities Key Moments 00:00 Opening and episode setup 01:10 AI access and agency, what the Global South actually needs 02:00 Compute and energy, the real bottleneck no one talks about 04:00 Weather forecasting and climate resilience, why prediction is power 06:40 Agriculture and food security, what works in the real world 11:10 Pandemic preparedness, early warning and disease modeling 15:20 Healthcare breakthroughs, underserved diseases and drug discovery 19:30 Smart cities, mobility, safety, and public trust 23:40 Data privacy and surveillance, where the lines get blurry 28:00 Jobs and reskilling, how to stay ahead of the shift Follow Global Southing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-southing/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalsouthing/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@globalsouthing Follow the guest Anima Anandkumar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anima-anandkumar/ Caltech: https://www.caltech.edu/
February 4 · 39 min
How Global South Writes Its Own Rules | Dr. Serhat Suha Cubukcuoglu
The global rulebook is being rewritten, and the Global South is holding the pen. In this episode of Global Southing, we speak with Dr. Serhat Suha Cubukcuoglu, Head of the Trends Research and Advisory Office in Turkey, about Policy Power Rising: How Global South Writes Its Own Rules and how this shift is changing the way global decisions are made. With expertise across policymaking, geopolitics, maritime affairs, and energy, Dr. Cubukcuoglu shares how countries across the Global South are building leverage through new partnerships, regional blocs, trade corridors, and alternative financial pathways, while navigating competing interests and real-world constraints. Through clear examples and grounded analysis, he explains how rule-setting is moving beyond legacy institutions into practical cooperation, economic strategy, and digital governance, and what this means for middle powers, emerging alliances, and the next phase of the global order. Tune in to learn: → Why “collective policymaking” is gaining momentum across emerging markets → What BRICS+ signals, and where its influence is real vs overstated → How alternative finance and local currency trade are changing the options on the table → The role of trade corridors, logistics, and resource diplomacy in modern power → Why middle powers are becoming key conveners in a multipolar world → Where South-South cooperation works, and where it gets complicated → Why digital governance, data sovereignty, and AI ethics are becoming the next battleground → What to watch next as global norms evolve ⏱️ Key Moments 00:00 Opening and episode setup 01:05 Introducing Dr. Serhat and the core question of rule-setting 03:10 What “Global South” means in today’s policy context 05:45 BRICS+ and the push for more agency in global systems 08:20 Alternative finance, NDB, and the rise of parallel options 11:10 Trade corridors and why geography is strategic again 14:30 South-South cooperation, coordination, and friction points 18:40 Middle powers and strategic autonomy, including the UAE’s role 23:10 Digital sovereignty, data governance, and policy choices 31:20 AI, ethics, and the next global standards conversation Follow Global Southing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-southing/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalsouthing/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@globalsouthing Follow the guest Dr. Serhat Suha Cubukcuoglu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scubukcuoglu/ Trends Research and Advisory Office: https://trendsresearch.org/