Global Initiatives & Forums

Africa in the world · Global South · Cooperation · Multipolarity

International Partnerships

Global Reach

The Survé family’s global engagement spans some of the world’s most influential economic, business, diplomatic and media platforms, including BRICS, the World Economic Forum, G20, United Nations, Belt and Road initiatives and Global South forums.

Over several decades, these engagements have focused on strengthening Africa’s voice in global decision-making, advancing South–South cooperation and promoting more inclusive approaches to economic development, technology, sustainability and media.

Through leadership, membership and participation across these platforms, the family has sought to position Africa as an active partner in shaping a more multipolar and interconnected global order.

Where we engage

Global Forums & Initiatives

BRICS

Dr Iqbal Survé is a Founding Member of the BRICS Business Council and was appointed by the South African President and Cabinet. He chaired the South African chapter and later presided over the full five-nation Council. His involvement has included BRICS Heads of State Summits, Business Council and Business Forum keynotes, with a focus on South–South cooperation, digital sovereignty, youth empowerment and more equitable financial and technological ecosystems. Under his leadership, the Council expanded to nearly 200 companies, and he was an early advocate for the BRICS Bank, now the New Development Bank.

World Economic Forum (WEF)

The Survé family was invited as a WEF member in 2007, with Dr Survé participating at Davos in his capacities as a physician, social entrepreneur and business leader. His leadership roles have included Vice-Chairman of the Global Agenda Council for Emerging Multinationals and Founding Chairman of the Advisory Board for WEF’s Global Growth Companies “New Champions”. His participation in Davos and Summer Davos has focused particularly on responsible capitalism, innovation, emerging-market companies and advancing Africa’s role within the global economy.

G20

Dr Survé has participated in multiple G20-related engagements, including the B20 Taskforces in Turkey, where his contributions focused on fair trade and greater access for emerging markets. In 2025, he was appointed Co-Chairman and Co-Forum Host of the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum held alongside the G20 in South Africa, and also delivered an address at a T20 side meeting.

United Nations (UN)

The Survé family’s United Nations engagement includes participation in the UN General Assembly Private Sector Forum, joining high-level discussions involving South African presidents on trade, security and social justice. The family has also engaged with UNESCO, advocating for digital inclusion, media freedom, ethics and sustainability, while Dr Survé co-hosted the Nobel Laureates Symposium on Climate Change during COP17 in Durban in 2011.

Belt & Road

Dr Survé was invited to participate in the inaugural Belt and Road Forum and was subsequently invited as the inaugural Chairman and only non-Chinese member of the inaugural Belt and Road Fund for Africa. His involvement expanded into media cooperation as Patron and Co-Chair of the Belt and Road News Network (BRNN) and Co-Chair of the Belt and Road Media Cooperation Forum, where he has participated in and addressed meetings in China.

Global South

The Survé family’s Global South engagement spans business, media and international cooperation, with a particular emphasis on strengthening Africa’s voice within a multipolar global order. Since 2018, the family has held prominent roles in the BRICS Media Forum, including as Founding Members and Co-Chairs, and has participated in the World Media Summit. In 2025, Dr Survé was invited as Co-Chair and Forum Host of the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum alongside the G20 in South Africa. These engagements centre on South–South cooperation, media development, digital transformation and ensuring that Africa participates meaningfully in shaping global institutions and narratives.