Mahama calls for stronger domestic capacity and sustainable financing for Global South
Story by: Regina Bless
President John Dramani Mahama has called for stronger domestic capacity, effective institutions and sustainable financing to help countries in the Global South respond to growing debt pressures and changes in the international development landscape.
Speaking at a Presidential Roundtable organised by the Open Society Foundation in New York on Monday, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, President Mahama said countries must focus on building systems that can deliver tangible improvements in the lives of their citizens.
He identified job creation, improved public services, infrastructure development and expanded opportunities for young people as key priorities, particularly at a time when many developing countries are facing financial constraints.
“When I speak about sovereignty in this context, I am speaking about the capacity to act,” President Mahama said.
He emphasised that political sovereignty must be supported by the institutional and financial capacity to implement policies and respond effectively to the needs of citizens.
President Mahama also highlighted the importance of stronger coordination across government, increased domestic resource mobilisation and sound financial management. He said institutions must be equipped to deliver measurable results and ensure that successful development initiatives can be sustained beyond individual programmes.
“Where an approach proves successful, the next step should be its adoption into public systems, local delivery institutions, and long-term financing models,” he added.
The Presidential Roundtable brought together presidents and chief executives of major global foundations to discuss sustainable development, development financing and ways to strengthen institutions across the Global South.
The discussions focused on the need for countries to build greater resilience and reduce dependence on external support by strengthening domestic systems, mobilising resources and developing long-term financing mechanisms capable of supporting sustainable development.