North South Initiative (NSI) is a Youth Lead Initiative based in Malaysia to help bridge the solidarity divide between the North and South in terms of human rights and social justice. The north and south here is defined beyond the traditional developed vs developing sense as we find out that inequality and injustice are complex matters that require a more holistic approach between the North and the South and among the South. The inspiration came from one of the areas where we are actively engaging with the youth called Patani. Patani is located North of Malaysia. And hence, North (Patani) South (Malaysia) Initiative. Besides peace building and advocacy in Patani, we also do empowerment and advocacy work other extremely marginalized groups i.e the Indigenous Peoples, Students, West Papuan Youth, Migrant Workers, Refugees, Farmers Networks, Interfaith Actors, and other forgotten minorities who need support.
We believe in the empowerment of the marginalized/disenfranchised and we do not intend to represent them nor be their voice as when given the correct tools, they can challenge oppressive structures themselves. Our model of social change is also inspired by South to South Solidarity (S2S) movement where people of developing nations come together in solidarity to decide the agenda and path of progress.