The International Day for South-South Cooperation 2021, 12 September 2021
South-South and Triangular Cooperation: A Results Accelerator under the UNFPA Strategic Plan 2022-2025
Over the past two years, the world has faced unprecedented challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to climate change, mass displacement and other emerging crises, as well as tectonic shifts in demography, technology and inequality. More than ever, the sharing of limited resources and innovative technologies among countries in the global South, and between countries in the North and South, better known as South-South and triangular cooperation (SSTC), is needed to address these challenges by ensuring equitable access to much-needed know-how and expertise. The global community will be better off if we leverage SSTC far more in our developmental and humanitarian work.
SSTC is not simply an important approach for our work. It has been recognized as an accelerator for achieving the results of the newly adopted strategic plan 2022-2025. It also forms an essential part of efforts to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, and to ensure that the benefits of development reach everyone, especially those left furthest behind. And as funding for sustainable development shifts increasingly towards development financing, SSTC is becoming instrumental in enabling and facilitating such a shift, helping countries from the global South share their experiences and lessons learned with one another.
On 12 September, as the United Nations marks the International Day for South-South Cooperation, we should recognize the power of SSTC to achieve our shared goals. We cannot underestimate the enormous potential benefits that can be realized when countries work together to share solutions, and we must encourage countries with a higher level of national income and wealth to play a larger role in financing development in poorer parts of the world.
At UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, we want to see a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. We know that global collaboration to advance these goals holds promise for a better future for all.
How should UNFPA recognize this international day?
If your office wants to acknowledge this day, consider using this opportunity to recognize the value of the experiences and knowledge of countries in the Global South and/or highlight the power of multilateral collaboration and solutions.
You are also encouraged to tailor your communications and outreach efforts toward your partners, including governments and private sector partners, as well as local innovators and implementers. This day is an opportunity to show appreciation for their leadership, partnership, support and contributions.
Watch the training of Lao midwives at the Khon Kaen Hospital in Khon Kaen province in Thailand through the South-South and Trangular Cooperation of Thailand-Lao PDR and UNFPA on safe motherhood here.
Learn more about Social Return of Investment from the South-South and Triangular Cooperation.
