Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has held discussions with the organising committee of the 2026 Global South Academic Forum in Shanghai, China, on strategies for rural development, poverty reduction and community empowerment.
The meeting, led by Professor Lu Xinyu, Chair of the Global South Academic Forum, focused on China’s experience in rural revitalisation and the policies used to transform disadvantaged communities into centres of economic opportunity.
Professor Lu highlighted several development initiatives, including local governance reforms, the revitalisation of fisheries and aquaculture, community sports programmes and modern infrastructure development. These interventions have helped improve living conditions and expand economic opportunities in previously deprived areas.
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang expressed interest in how China has tailored its development policies to the specific needs and circumstances of individual communities. She noted the importance of research-based planning, effective government support and community participation in achieving sustainable development.
The discussions also underscored the need to recognise the resources, knowledge and potential within local communities rather than applying identical development strategies everywhere.
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang thanked Professor Lu for sharing China’s development experiences and highlighted the importance of leadership that remains connected to citizens and ensures public policies address their needs.
She also emphasised the value of South-South cooperation, encouraging countries in the Global South to exchange knowledge, adapt successful development models to their local conditions and implement practical solutions that improve citizens’ livelihoods.
The engagement forms part of broader efforts to strengthen international cooperation, promote sustainable rural development and identify effective strategies for poverty reduction and economic growth in Ghana and other developing countries.
Source: newsthemegh.com