Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
In practice, South-South cooperation is a process by which developing countries, regardless of their geographical location, seek to achieve individual or common development goals through the sharing of knowledge, skills and resources. This process involves governments, regional organizations, civil society, academia and the private sector.
The experiences and aspirations of most countries in the so-called Global South overlap: they continue to shape their postcolonial futures and strive to meet the needs of their people. Their interactions are therefore built on the principles of solidarity, justice, respect for sovereignty and national leadership – without imposing conditions or unachievable demands.
To support these efforts in the international arena and within the UN system, the General Assembly established the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, which has operated under the auspices of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) since 1974.
The Office uses the potential of collaboration to fulfil its unique mandate to promote and advance South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation, in which two or more developing countries work together with the support of a developed country or international organisation.
The Office assists in the development and implementation of policy strategies, manages development funds (mostly financed by countries of the South) and mobilizes financing. It also facilitates the exchange of knowledge, technology, innovative solutions and best practices – including through the online platform South-South Galaxy.
New opportunities and innovations
In an exclusive interview with UN News ahead of September 12, South-South Cooperation Day Dima Al-Khatib, Director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, stressed that countries of the South have “enormous potential to advance development” as they account for 80 percent of the world’s population, as well as inexhaustible human and natural resources and an innovative spirit.
According to her, the theme chosen for the International Day of South-South Cooperation – “New Opportunities and Innovation through South-South and Triangular Cooperation” – could not be more relevant now: “Countries of the Global South not only face challenges, but also develop solutions, promote innovation, and we must support, encourage and highlight their leading role in these areas.”
A New Approach to Development Financing
Countries in the Global South face multiple interconnected crises, including rising geopolitical tensions, debt burdens, digital inequality, and social disruption – all while humanitarian funding from developed countries declines.
This reality is prompting developing countries to increasingly turn to cooperation among themselves, which al-Khatib said has become “one of the most important instruments for financing development.”
"I believe this trend will intensify as official development assistance declines and countries look for effective alternatives. South-South and triangular cooperation have already proven their effectiveness," she added.
She said recent research by the Office had shown that South-South cooperation could change economic patterns, create jobs and develop local capacity – in countries such as Ethiopia, Paraguay and Rwanda, among others.
Prospects in the Middle East
The Middle East is home to important projects with great potential for South-South cooperation in renewable energy, digital transformation and climate change adaptation. Morocco’s experience in building large-scale solar power plants has become a model for similar projects in sub-Saharan Africa.
Dima Al-Khatib noted that the Gulf countries not only provide financial assistance to other countries during times of crisis, but also become leaders in exchanging experiences. For example, Saudi Arabia shares its developments in the field of seawater desalination with countries suffering from drought.
Al-Khateeb also mentioned Masdar City in the UAE, where research and development of technologies useful for countries in the Global South are carried out. In addition, the Islamic Development Bank plays a key role in facilitating knowledge sharing among its 57 member states and supporting initiatives in irrigation, sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient infrastructure.
The driving force behind multilateralism
Touching on the tense international political situation, Dima Al-Khatib said South-South cooperation could be a “driving force” for renewing and strengthening multilateralism, but stressed that it “can never replace cooperation among all countries.”
She noted that countries in the Global South are coming together and demonstrating leadership – notably through the India-UN Partnership Fund and the India-Brazil-South Africa Fund. This, she said, demonstrates the power of collective action and “sends a powerful signal that cross-border cooperation is possible and effective.”
The head of the Office stressed that there should be no division between the countries of the Global North and the Global South. “We must build bridges,” she said, adding that the UN is capable of taking on this task, since the United Nations is “that important structure that treats all countries equally.”
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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