The idea behind GPS has deep roots — in a century of Southern cooperation frameworks, and in the everyday experience of researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and artists whose work rarely found its way to one another.
In 2026, that idea took institutional form. Founding documents were adopted, a five-year strategic framework was set, and Kigali was chosen as headquarters — with regional hubs designed from day one across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, and future hubs planned for the Middle East and Asia.
What follows is the arc we are building along. It will grow as GPS grows.
From emerging platform to global institution.
The platform takes form
Institutional structuring — governance model, advisory councils, legal structures. Digital launch of GPS. First university partnerships formalized. The GPS Dialogues series begins building intellectual momentum. Preparation of Kigali 2027.
Kigali Knowledge Crossroads Week
GPS launches internationally as a major convening platform — built around the GCUB General Assembly and a multisectoral international conference. GPS Outlook, GPS Journal, and SouthPlus launch. GPS Academy and pilot innovation labs open.
Regional roots deepen
The São Paulo Convening extends GPS into Latin America. Regional hubs expand. The GPS Accelerator launches to translate ideas into scalable ventures. Policy advisory programs begin with ministries, universities, and cities.
Networks become infrastructure
GPS Fellowship programs for researchers, policymakers, artists, and emerging leaders. Research-to-impact pilots demonstrate measurable outcomes. The Global South Data & Foresight Platform and the GPS Impact Observatory come online.
A permanent institution
The GPS Global Summit. Large-scale implementation programs — educational transformation, AI governance, climate adaptation, digital inclusion. The Global South Policy & Innovation Consortium creates permanent collaboration mechanisms.
A living timeline. Milestones are added as they happen — see Latest News for what's moving right now, and the Strategic Framework for the full five-year plan.