Celebrating Ten Years of South-South Learning at Peking University's Institute

Celebrating a Decade of Global South Learning

The Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development (ISSCAD) at Peking University (PKU) recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, acknowledging its role in shaping educational paradigms that foster collaboration and share knowledge among developing nations. On April 29, 2026, distinguished alumni and current scholars gathered at PKU's Yingjie Overseas Exchange Center for a forum centered on sustainability and development in the Global South.

Among those celebrating was Ismail Zabeeh, a former state minister from the Maldives, who joined PKU as a doctoral student at ISSCAD to gain deeper insights into developmental policies derived from practical experiences in nations that have rapidly evolved. His story is emblematic of the diverse backgrounds of the students drawn to ISSCAD, which aims to create educational frameworks centered on the unique experiences of developing countries.

Eric Dodoo-Amoo from the Ministry of Finance of Ghana echoed similar sentiments, celebrating how ISSCAD has equipped its graduates to approach development thoughtfully and innovatively. Founded in 2016, ISSCAD's approach to education centered on South-South learning is a rarity in the field, emphasizing that knowledge generated within developing countries holds tremendous potential. Justin Yifu Lin, ISSCAD's honorary dean and a former chief economist at the World Bank, pointed out that the institute's most significant innovation is its focus on sharing development experiences stemming from China and other similar economies.

This decade-long journey has seen ISSCAD grow considerably, training officials, diplomats, and scholars from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific. Its programs are designed to blend academic theory with pragmatic policy fieldwork based in China, allowing participants to contextualize their learning within real-world scenarios.

The anniversary event showcased various dignitaries, including senior officials from the China International Development Cooperation Agency and other ministries, reiterating their commitment to the institute's mission as a platform for cultivating talent and conducting policy research. Arkebe Oqubay, a notable scholar in African industrial policy, highlighted that the upcoming decade could signify a crucial opportunity to enhance South-South cooperation, marking a pivotal moment for nations looking to foster deeper collaboration.

Abigail Shoniwa, the Zimbabwean ambassador to China, reflected on how her country's leaders have utilized insights gained from ISSCAD's programs to inform sound policy decisions back home.

A symbolic lighting ceremony capped the celebrations, featuring a flag parade with participants from over 80 nations, illustrating the united spirit of the Global South. This ceremony reaffirmed ISSCAD's role as an essential nexus for knowledge exchange and collaboration among developing nations.

As ISSCAD embarks on its second decade, aspirations remain high. Justin Yifu Lin envisions the institute evolving into a globally recognized hub for innovation and knowledge-sharing. This vision underscores ISSCAD's ambition to not only elevate teaching and research within the context of South-South cooperation but also support the shared goal of sustainable development among nations that often face similar challenges.

Overall, ISSCAD stands as a testament to the importance of fostering education and collaboration in the Global South, providing vital insights essential for creating sustainable pathways to development. As alumni like Ismail Zabeeh and Eric Dodoo-Amoo continue to make strides in their respective countries, the impact of ISSCAD's dedication to shaping a more equitable world is palpable.