'Sovereignty is capacity to act' — Mahama calls for strong institutions, domestic financing key to Global South devt

President John Dramani Mahama has urged countries in the Global South to strengthen their domestic systems and institutions to better withstand mounting debt pressures and changes in the international development environment.

He said countries must focus on building the capacity needed to create jobs, improve public services, develop infrastructure and widen opportunities, particularly for young people.

“When I speak about sovereignty in this context, I am speaking about the capacity to act,” he stated.

President Mahama made the call on Monday, September 21, during a Presidential Roundtable organised by the Open Society Foundation in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

He said achieving sustainable development would require stronger coordination within governments, increased mobilisation of domestic resources and sound financial management.

The President also emphasised the importance of building institutions that can translate policies into measurable and lasting results.

“Where an approach proves successful, the next step should be its adoption into public systems, local delivery institutions, and long-term financing models,” he stressed.

The roundtable brought together presidents and chief executives of major global foundations to deliberate on sustainable development, financing and ways to strengthen institutions across the Global South.