Celebrating the Launch of a New International Cooperation Platform
The 10th International Conference on Human Rights and Electoral Laws concluded on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Marrakech, marking the official inception of the 'Bridges of the Global South' platform. This new initiative aims to create a permanent space for cooperation between Morocco and Latin America, symbolizing a significant step toward enhanced collaboration in addressing pressing global challenges.
During the conference in Marrakech, participants formally established this innovative international cooperation platform. The launch was celebrated with the signing of a joint declaration by Amina Bouayach, President of the Moroccan National Human Rights Council (CNDH), and Antonio Sorela, President of the Academia Líder en Formación Avanzada (ALFA) from Mexico. Designed to serve as a permanent forum, this platform arises in a global context marked by rapid technological changes, where digitization and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping democratic processes and the safeguarding of public spaces.
“This is a collective advocacy initiative through which we aim to strengthen the effectiveness of human rights in the digital age and the era of artificial intelligence.” — Amina Bouayach, President of CNDH.
Key Objectives of 'Bridges of the Global South'
The 'Bridges of the Global South' initiative aspires to create a sustainable space for exchange and advocacy among Southern countries. The CNDH and ALFA Academy have been urged by the assembly to continue their close coordination to ensure the effective implementation of the platform in the coming days. Their priorities are articulated around three main axes:
- Exchange of Expertise: Sharing best practices to address emerging technological risks and fostering intercontinental cooperation.
- Multilateral Coordination: Mobilizing institutional, academic, and civil actors to develop common approaches in response to digital transformations.
- Independent Monitoring: Supporting mechanisms to evaluate the risks posed by AI and new technologies to democratic processes.
In light of the technological challenges, the participants, primarily from Morocco and various Latin American countries, highlighted the similarities in the challenges faced by Southern nations. Significant threats identified included misinformation and manipulation campaigns that undermine public space and the integrity of electoral processes. Algorithmic bias and influence also pose a risk of opinion manipulation, while the digital divide threatens to exclude segments of the population from accessing technological governance tools.
Consequently, South-South cooperation is deemed a strategic necessity. Participants emphasized the importance of harnessing the positive capabilities of AI, particularly by supporting fact-checking networks. This comprehensive approach aligns with the ongoing advocacy of the CNDH for Southern countries to actively contribute to the establishment of international norms and concepts related to the protection of human rights.
As the 'Bridges of the Global South' platform is launched at a pivotal moment, the international community is calling for more inclusive and equitable models of AI governance. By integrating the specificities and challenges of developing countries, this alliance aims to ensure that technological advancement occurs with strict adherence to human dignity and democratic trajectories.
As reported by article19.ma.
