Central to the Global South Thought Leadership program is the Global South project, where each participant identifies a real-world problem within their Global South community and develops a research-based solution. This project serves as a practical application of the knowledge and skills acquired during the program.

A participant can do almost anything as their Global South project, as long as it is impactful. Examples include a research paper or book, art or theatre, a film, a business, a community initiative, political endeavors, and more.

Participants in the Global South Thought Leadership Program will be guided by a Global South thought leader through six stages focused on developing critical competencies needed to complete your Global South project. 

Through the six stages, you will develop:

Revolutionary Thinking

Focused training in escaping dominant narratives and philosophies. Participants will engage with past revolutionary thinkers of the Global North and Global South to develop new ways of understanding and addressing local and global issues.

Teaching and Leadership Training

Development of teaching skills to effectively share knowledge and foster learning in diverse settings. Participants will learn to design and deliver engaging material, facilitate discussions, and mentor others in their communities.

Advanced Research Skills 

Mastery of both conventional and unconventional research methods, such as utilizing peer-reviewed papers, anecdotal data, grey literature, digital media, indigenous knowledge systems, and more. This training equips participants to uncover hidden narratives and generate new insights that reflect the unique contexts of the Global South.

Technical and Social Skills

Developing a range of practical skills necessary to navigate social, economic and political dynamics in the Global South such as business, economic, agriculture, leadership, and journalism.

Interdisciplinary Knowledge

Investigation across diverse fields, including philosophy, mathematics, art and history, all tailored to broadening the participants’ understanding of complex problems in the Global South. This includes exploring alternative epistemologies and frameworks rooted in local and regional perspectives.

Unlike many programs that provide certification for academic achievement, this program has no grading scheme - thus no certification will be awarded. Instead, the program focuses on practical and transformative achievement, emphasizing that participants improve their knowledge and skills by acting on constructive feedback. You will leave the program with hands-on experience, a set of practical skills, and a Global South project to continue your journey as a Global South thought leader.

The practical nature of this program makes it challenging. A participant completes the program by successfully executing their Global South project. The program is flexible enough to accommodate personal schedules, however, we encourage participants to complete the program within two years. Participants are expected to dedicate significant time and effort towards learning, discussions and the Global South project. Commitment, discipline and a proactive approach to learning are essential for success in this program.

There are no academic prerequisites for joining the GS Thought Leadership Program. We welcome participants 16 and older from diverse backgrounds who are eager to explore new ideas, develop critical skills, and make a positive impact in the Global South. The program is designed to accommodate various levels of experience and knowledge, providing tailored support to help all participants succeed. 

However, we are looking for people who can deeply tap into their own personal experiences and the experiences of people in their community in order to come up with new knowledge and revolutionary ideas.