Celebrating 10 Years of the South-South Institute at PKU: A Platform for Global Development

A Decade of Learning and Growth: ISSCAD's Journey

In a remarkable celebration of a decade's impact, the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development (ISSCAD) at Peking University (PKU) marked its 10th anniversary on April 29, 2026. This milestone was commemorated with an engaging forum focusing on sustainable development within the Global South. Graduates and students from various corners of the world gathered at PKU’s Yingjie Overseas Exchange Center, illustrating the global reach and significance of the institute.

Among the attendees was Ismail Zabeeh, a doctoral student with a noteworthy background as a former state minister in the Maldives. For him, revisiting the academic setting was motivated by a desire to delve into the knowledge derived from countries that have traversed the path of rapid development. His story exemplifies the institute’s unique approach to education, which emulates learning through the practical experiences of developing nations.

Zabeeh was joined by Eric Dodoo-Amoo, who leads the China Desk at the Ministry of Finance of Ghana. Dodoo-Amoo was part of ISSCAD’s graduating class of 2022, showcasing the caliber of professionals the institute attracts. The event brought together distinguished government officials, scholars, and diplomats, reaffirming the institute's mission to cultivate talents and drive policy research.

Founded in 2016, ISSCAD emerged from the belief that developing countries hold a wealth of developmental knowledge that is often overlooked in mainstream international education. As Justin Yifu Lin, ISSCAD’s honorary dean and a former chief economist of the World Bank stated, “The most important innovation of this institute is that it draws on the development experience of China and other developing countries.” This foundation has allowed the institute to carve a niche in academic circles, positioning itself at the forefront of developmental studies.

The anniversary celebration was marked by a special lighting ceremony and a flag parade featuring participants from over 80 nations, highlighting the unity and shared vision of the Global South. Senior officials from the China International Development Cooperation Agency, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Education were present, expressing their renewed commitment to ISSCAD as a vital resource for knowledge exchange and talent development.

Arkebe Oqubay, an esteemed former minister of Ethiopia, pointed out that the forthcoming decade is poised to be critical for reinforcing South-South cooperation. His insights resonate with the objectives of ISSCAD, urging policymakers to harness the lessons learned through collaborative projects and academic exchanges facilitated by the institute.

Moreover, Abigail Shoniwa, Zimbabwe’s ambassador to China, reinforced the relevance of ISSCAD’s programs, stating that Zimbabwean policymakers have drawn insightful strategies from their participation. This testimonial further exemplifies the practical impact of the institute’s curriculum on real-world policymaking.

As ISSCAD transitions into its second decade, it envisions establishing itself as a globally recognized hub for academic innovation and a melting pot for knowledge exchange among developing nations. The collective aspiration for continuous growth and collaboration was reinforced throughout the event, leaving attendees inspired to contribute towards sustainable development within their respective regions.

ISSCAD’s journey over the past ten years showcases the power of education forged in the crucible of real-world experience. The institute stands as a symbol of hope and progress, fostering a new generation of leaders committed to reshaping the future through shared knowledge and cross-border collaboration. With a renewed sense of purpose, ISCCAD looks forward to another decade of impactful learning and cooperative development initiatives.