By:Lebohang Maluke
MASERU
-On 12 September 2023, the United Nations community celebrates the important work and contributions of South-South Cooperation to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the theme “Solidarity, Equity and Partnership: Unlocking South-South Cooperation to Achieve the SDGs.”
With a shared commitment to promoting development, knowledge sharing, and solidarity among the countries of the Global South, the event is a timely reminder of the importance of collective action in driving progress towards a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable future for all.
The message of the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation is clear: only through collaboration, mutual respect, and the sharing of resources can the world’s most pressing challenges be overcome. As Secretary-General Guterres emphasizes, the Global South has a wealth of expertise, knowledge, and creativity to bring to the table. By leveraging the strengths of countries in the South and fostering partnerships that prioritize equity and justice, the UN community can make real progress in meeting the ambitious goals set out in the SDGs.
In his address, H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis echoed the core message of South-South Cooperation: that when countries of the Global South work together, pooling their expertise, resources, and knowledge, the benefits are felt far beyond their borders.
By promoting triangular cooperation, in which developed nations and international organizations contribute their unique strengths and perspectives, the world can leverage the powerful potential of joint action to tackle the complex challenges of our time, such as climate change, poverty, and inequality.
The call for South-South and triangular cooperation is a reminder that in a world increasingly defined by interdependence and complexity, isolation and unilateralism are no longer viable strategies.
The path forward requires a spirit of solidarity, humility, and collaboration, with each nation and organization playing its part in the global effort to build a more just and sustainable world.
When reflecting on the legacy of the UN Day for South-South Cooperation, commit in keeping this spirit of cooperation alive, working together to unlock the potential of countries in the Global South and to create a brighter future for all.
Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN, H.E. Mr. Peter Mohan Maithri Pieris, highlights an often-overlooked strength of South-South cooperation: its focus on practical, solution-oriented action. Developing countries are not waiting for others to address their pressing challenges; instead, they are taking the initiative to share their own hard-won knowledge and skills with one another.
Whether it be in poverty reduction, improving health outcomes, or tackling climate change, the spirit of South-South cooperation is about making real progress on the ground.
GENEVA (ILO News) – The United Nations observes 12 September as the UN Day for South-South Cooperation each year. The International Labour Organization (ILO) is instrumental in advocating for workers’ rights worldwide, and in a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, it acknowledges the importance of South-South and triangular cooperation as a vital strategy for fulfilling its objectives. The ILO has also contributes to defining the role of South-South collaboration in assisting nations to achieve their development aspirations and in realizing the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Achieving the SDGs by 2030 necessitates global solidarity,” states Gilbert F. Houngbo, ILO Director-General. “South-South cooperation exemplifies how the exchange of knowledge and mutual assistance enables countries to tackle development challenges, enhance resilience, and pave the way for greater social justice.”
Last year, the ILO has collaborated with the governments of Brazil, China, and India to initiate new programs and reaffirm existing commitments. A program focused on South-South Cooperation for Social Justice in the Global South, funded by the Brazilian government, has been launched, alongside a program on Public Employment Services and Skills Development in ASEAN, supported by the Chinese government. Additionally, a project in the Caribbean addressing skills development and climate change, which is concluding its first phase, is gaining renewed momentum for a second phase through the United Nations India Fund.
“Through knowledge-sharing and peer learning, South-South cooperation facilitates the identification of common development problems and the proposal of solutions that are responsive to the specific context and needs of Southern countries, resulting in a more significant development impact.” Rinaldi N.P (2013) mentions on Global Governance Forum.
South-South Cooperation is indeed becoming a pivotal tool for development, and the SDG Fund is taking a proactive role in leveraging its potential. By fostering peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, policy exchange, and partnerships with businesses from the Global South, the SDG Fund is positioning itself as a key catalyst for progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
In the Paraguay example, the SDG Fund’s support for the creation of a national observatory on the Right to Food is commendable. The SDG Fund’s embrace of South-South Cooperation as a vital instrument for development is a promising development in the pursuit of sustainable and equitable growth.
By taking a holistic approach to cooperation and drawing on the resources, expertise, and innovations of the Global South, the SDG Fund is positioning itself as a force for positive change in the world. Let us continue to support initiatives like these, with the hope that they will bring us closer to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals and a brighter future for all.