New times dictate new alliances between states and new cooperation platforms. Among shrinking and reshaping aid budgets, at the end of May 2026, China and more than 50 developing states launched the Global Partnership for Poverty Alleviation and Development (GPPAD). The announcement was made during the 2026 Global Poverty Reduction and Development Forum. What is currently known about the new platform is that it was co-initiated by China and 53 other countries (with Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, South Africa, and Uzbekistan attending the event; a complete list of countries is currently unavailable), as well as nine international organizations, including the UNDP. Members of the GPPAD aim to reduce global poverty and strengthen international cooperation, highlighting China’s evolving anti-poverty strategy across the globe. The partnership also invites various stakeholders such as governments, private companies, and academia to collaborate for an inclusive and sustainable development environment. Could this new structure represent a success story in the chapter of South-South cooperation? Read several expert opinions below.
Key Takeaways:
- On May 27, the Global Partnership for Poverty Alleviation and Development (GPPAD) was launched in Beijing and convened its first committee meeting. Information on members, chairs, legal documents and action plans was not made public yet.
- According to some experts, this initiative could help rebalance development partnerships by offering developing countries technical expertise, knowledge-sharing, and alternative sources of funding.
- Others believe that GPPAD could reshape—or at least influence—the balance between traditional North-South aid models and South-South cooperation, but only if it is backed by substantial resources and effective mechanisms.
DevelopmentAid: Could GPPAD reshape the balance between traditional North-South aid models and South-South cooperation? What implications might this have for developing countries?
“The creation of the Global Partnership for Poverty Reduction and Development (GPPAD) marks a significant milestone in the evolution of international development governance. By bringing together 54 countries and nine international organizations within a structured South-South cooperation framework, the GPPAD reflects the growing influence of emerging economies, particularly China, as key actors in global development. While it is unlikely to replace traditional North-South aid, this initiative could help rebalance development partnerships by offering developing countries alternative sources of financing, technical expertise, and knowledge-sharing. Such diversification strengthens their bargaining power and reduces dependence on traditional donors. For developing nations, the challenge will be to leverage this new dynamic to accelerate economic transformation while preserving their strategic autonomy. Ultimately, the success of the GPPAD will depend on its ability to deliver tangible and sustainable results. If effective, it could contribute to a more multipolar and inclusive architecture of global development cooperation.”
“Yes, the GPPAD could reshape, or at least influence, the balance between traditional North-South aid models and South-South cooperation. In order to do this, though, GPPAD would need to have ‘real money’ behind it. Moreover, the kind of money (grant versus loan finance) also matters a great deal. Much of the ‘traditional’ financing for poverty alleviation initiatives in developing countries comes from the Bretton Woods institutions (IMF, World Bank) and regional development banks (ADB, EBRD, etc.). The vast bulk of these institutions’ financing is provided on the basis of semi-commercial conditionalities. China has not used its influence in these institutions—not even in the ones in which it plays a critical role (e.g., the BRICS bank, AIIB)—to significantly increase the role of grant finance. Moreover, most of the bilateral development finance China has thus far provided to other countries has taken the form of loans provided by Chinese development banks. In light of this, it is not yet clear whether GPPAD constitutes a fundamental break with the past, as this would require significant changes in how finance for development works—and not only in China.”
“The establishment of the Global Partnership for Poverty Alleviation and Development (GPPAD) could strengthen the shift from traditional North-South aid toward a more influential South-South cooperation model. Co-founded by China, 53 other countries, and nine international organizations, GPPAD emphasizes experience sharing, technical cooperation, capacity building, and development strategies tailored to national conditions rather than donor-driven policy conditions. For developing countries, this may provide greater policy autonomy and access to practical poverty-reduction approaches drawn from the experiences of other developing nations. China’s commitment to support policy dialogue, training, and technology transfer could help countries build long-term poverty alleviation capacity rather than relying solely on financial aid. However, GPPAD is unlikely to replace traditional aid systems entirely. Instead, it may create a more balanced global development landscape in which developing countries have a stronger voice and more diverse partnership options. If successful, the initiative could make international development cooperation more inclusive, flexible, and responsive to local needs.”
“We live in a world where inequalities are constantly on the rise. The world has never had as many rich people as it does now, and wealth at the top is growing faster than poverty is being reduced. The good news is that poverty is falling thanks to initiatives such as those of GPPAD. China is working hard to reduce poverty amongst its rural population, notably through the development of modern agriculture that promotes food self-sufficiency. The latest report on the State of Global Food Security and Nutrition shows that more than 300 million people in Africa do not have sufficient food to meet their daily needs – that is one in five people. In light of this situation, China’s experience in modernizing agriculture is a valuable asset in the fight against poverty, as is already the case in Mozambique, thanks to GPPAD. In doing so, countries in the Global South will close the development gap with those in the Global North. Reducing poverty begins with food self-sufficiency.”
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