On November 21, the Global South Modernization Forum, themed "Working Together to Advance Modernization: A Shared Vision and the Path to Development", was held in Beijing. The event featured a main forum and four parallel sessions. Li Shulei, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended and addressed the event.

During the main forum, the Global South Modernization Research Network was launched. Lin Shangli, president of Renmin University of China (RUC), presented the Academic Initiative for Global South Modernization Research.

The Global South Modernization Research Network was jointly initiated by RUC as well as domestic and international academic institutions and high-end think tanks focused on Global South modernization. It aims to establish an academic network that connects research forces globally, and enhance the exchange and mutual learning of experiences in Global South modernization studies. The secretariat of the network is located at the Global South Countries Modernization Research Institute at RUC.

During the launch, Lin emphasized the rapid global changes and the rise of the Global South, sparking international interest. He introduced the Global South Modernization Research Network, which aims to unite efforts in exploring key issues, fostering collaboration, and integrating research with practice. The network seeks to enhance the influence of the Global South and support its modernization, contributing to global inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The forum also announced the "Top 10 Buzzwords in Global South Modernization Research for 2025", selected by an interdisciplinary expert committee formed by RUC. 

In addition, four parallel sub-forums, namely China's Poverty Alleviation and Global South Poverty Reduction, Ecological Environmental Protection in Modernization, Traditional Culture and Modern Life, and The Global South in a Century of Change, were held.

Organized by the State Council Information Office and other institutions, the Global South Modernization Forum gathered around 160 experts to discuss modernization challenges in the Global South. It aimed to foster cooperation and deepen the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. The forum also released modernization development reports and presented the "Global Development Research and Practice Award".