Seeking South-South synergy in Santiago

"Once you meet another person from the Global South, despite all the seeming dissimilarities, you very soon realize how similar we are", said Magdalena Fernández Lemos, a leading voice in the education space in the Latin America region.

She added, "We are all grappling with some of same issues as well - in the areas of education, health, gender, and such". It was still Day 2 of my visit to Chile when I met Magdalena near Metro Tobalaba at a large multiplex filled with eateries, movie hall, offices and a supermarket.

The green, open atrium was the most appealing part of this well-designed urban space.
During my week here in Santiago, Chile, besides exploring the city and its vibe, it has been eye-opening to see the similarities between India and Chile especially in the social impact space.

It is easy to jump into comparison with the West. The more helpful comparison is to look at fellow countries in the Global South seek new solutions, search for partnerships and build trusted relationships. Best practices can be transferred, innovations that have been working in one country or region can be tested in another.

Leaders in social impact from South-S.E. Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America have to find creative ways to come together. That is what Magdalena and her organization Global School Leaders has been doing in the education space - creating a collaborative platform for organizations in Brazil, Chile, Kenya, Ghana, India and Indonesia and several other countries from the Global South. "Forced collaborations do not work.

So, we do not push anyone to collaborate," said Ms. Fernández Lemos. She admitted that while virtual meetings work well to keep the conversations going, real bonding happens only when people come together in person. She points out that real mindset change and deeper understanding builds only when people put themselves in the physical context of those from the other regions.

Education. Health. Youth. Jobs. There are many themes to explore and a multitude of issues to tackle. As the world evolves, as AI looms large over every emerging scenario, looking outside for good ideas and out-of-the-box solutions is inevitable. Drawing strength from parts of the world that are dealing with similar challenges makes it easier to co-create solutions and exchange resources. This extends to trade and commerce, academic partnerships too.

India and Chile have a preferential trade agreement [PTA] since 2006 and there are indications that the economic ties will only get stronger. Chile has key critical minerals such as lithium, copper, cobalt that are so essential for the electronics and solar industries.

Later in the week, I shifted to a different locality in Santiago and pivoted to a totally different set of issues. Wildlife conservation, natural habitat protection and related issues like climate change and global warming. "Chile was labeled the 'farthest end of the world' and considered very remote," says filmmaker and conservationist Martin Del Rio.

"Now that has turned out to be a blessing", he added. I managed to catch Martin in his office on a leafy street in the Providencia neighborhood. Martin pioneered the wildlife and nature film festivals beginning with the Santiago Wild Film Festival and more recently the Festival Ladera Sur that is one of the largest congregations focused on nature. The festival has been elevating the awareness of Chile's nature heritage and make it relatable and inclusive across every facet of society. One of the green spaces in Santiago is filled with inspiring talks, live music, art, outdoor activities, entrepreneurial ventures, delicious food, and experiences. The festival brings people together to better understand and form a pact to care for the planet we live on.

"It is my dream to come to India and engage with the conservation community there. I have already forged friendships with many leading conservationists and wildlife photographers in India," said Martin.

Magic in the social impact space is bound to happen when leaders like Magdalena and Martin join hands with like-minded changemakers in the Indian context. The alignment of culture, hearts and purpose will be a lot easier when South meets South!

(Venkatesh Raghavendra is a global social entrepreneur building partnerships across like-minded changemakers and social impact leaders)