Pledging a more inclusive approach to knowledge from and for the Global South

As a programme dedicated to promoting and sharing knowledge from and for the Global South, GDNet has long been aware of the barriers that southern researchers experience when trying to inform global debates on development with their knowledge.

This Charter outlines our commitment to addressing these barriers and creating an enabling environment for southern researchers to communicate their work better and more widely. As a beacon of good practice, the Charter will help us to lead by example and call others to action.

As geographical distinctions are increasingly blurred, the need is greater than ever for knowledge and experience from the South to inform responses to global problems. By pledging to Connect South, we will address this necessity by:

• Focusing attention on knowledge from the South: By demonstrating the distinctive contribution the southern perspective can make to the knowledge and understanding of complex issues.
• Advocating for the value of southern research: By publically declaring our commitment towards southern researchers, engaging with policy makers and other development actors, encouraging debate and promoting best practice. (LinkedIn Profile)
• Promoting southern voices: By strengthening channels to communicate research from the South, creating spaces for engagement and fostering partnerships with southern researchers and research organizations.

The Charter is based on four principles which underpin our approach:

• Working in partnership: We cannot achieve our ambitions alone and recognise the need to identify others who share our commitment to helping southern research have a greater global impact.
• Leading by example: As champions of southern research, we will trumpet success and share good practice.
• Sharing learning: We will reflect on what we have learnt and share our experiences and lessons with others.
• A commitment to transparency: We will publish details of our work promoting southern knowledge including any policies, plans, processes and results in a format that is useful and accessible.