High-Level Conference on Humanity in War Strengthens China–Africa and South–South Cooperation
“For communities like ours, South–South cooperation is not just about diplomacy at the top, but about creating a safer and more stable future for ordinary people,” says Java Makhubu
South Africa has welcomed the announcement that the High-Level Conference on Humanity in War will be hosted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in the fourth quarter of 2026, describing it as a significant milestone for multilateral diplomacy and growing South–South cooperation, particularly between Africa, China and other emerging global partners.
The announcement, made on 22 January 2026, follows a joint declaration by the founding members of the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) – Brazil, China, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan and South Africa – in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The initiative reflects an increasingly inclusive global leadership model in which voices from the Global South play a central role in shaping international norms and humanitarian responses.
Reacting to the announcement, Java Makhubu, a local activist from Tsakane in Ekurhuleni, welcomed the initiative, saying it reflects the growing influence of Global South leadership in shaping a fairer and more humane world order. Makhubu noted that China’s cooperation with Africa and South Africa continues to demonstrate how development-focused partnerships can also promote peace and respect for human life during conflict. “For communities like ours, South–South cooperation is not just about diplomacy at the top, but about creating a safer and more stable future for ordinary people,” he said, adding that South Africa’s participation alongside China reinforces the country’s role as a bridge between Africa and the broader developing world.
China’s active participation in the initiative underscores its expanding engagement with Africa and developing regions in promoting peace, stability and respect for international law. Together with South Africa, China’s involvement highlights a shared commitment to multilateralism, non-interference and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, principles that have long underpinned China–Africa cooperation and the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
The Global IHL Initiative was launched in September 2024 in response to escalating humanitarian crises and the evolving nature of warfare. Its founding states recognised the need for collective leadership that goes beyond traditional power centres, offering practical solutions rooted in solidarity and shared responsibility. Since then, 99 countries from across the world have formally joined the initiative, with 27 states co-leading seven thematic workstreams aimed at strengthening compliance with humanitarian law.
For South Africa, the initiative reinforces its strategic partnership with China and other Global South nations, aligning with its foreign policy priorities of advancing development, peace and equitable global governance. It also reflects Africa’s growing influence in shaping international humanitarian discourse, ensuring that the experiences and perspectives of developing nations are meaningfully represented.
Looking ahead, the 2026 High-Level Conference is expected to deepen cooperation among Global South countries, while fostering constructive dialogue with all international partners. It presents an opportunity to translate shared values into concrete action, strengthen institutional capacity, and promote a more balanced and representative global humanitarian framework.
As preparations continue, South Africa has reaffirmed its support for expanded participation in the initiative, calling on all states to work collectively toward preventing atrocities, protecting civilians and reinforcing humanity in times of war – guided by cooperation, mutual respect and shared development across the Global South.