United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation

United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation

United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation is an observance aimed at raising awareness about the importance of cooperative activities and initiatives among Global South countries- the developing countries. It highlights the need for sustainable development and cooperation in multiple sectors, including technology, culture, and the economy. The observance emphasizes the exchange of mutually beneficial solutions, fostering partnerships, and utilizing shared knowledge to address the challenges faced by developing countries.

This day traces its roots back to the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries, adopted in 1978. The role of South-South Cooperation in India is significant, as the country has emerged as a crucial player in global development. India's development cooperation portfolio extends to various regions, including Africa and Asia, covering areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure development, and technological innovation. Furthermore, India has played a pivotal role in advocating the interests of the Global South in various international fora, fostering dialogue and collaboration among developing nations.

In India, United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation is marked by organizing seminars, panel discussions, and workshops that bring together experts, policymakers, and other stakeholders from the government, private sector, and civil society. These events aim to enhance knowledge sharing, promote innovative solutions, and strengthen partnerships among Global South countries. The focus is on harnessing the potential of South-South Cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals while ensuring a better future for all. United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation is celebrated on the 12th of September every year.

Facts about United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation

• According to the UN, the countries of the South (those countries that are considered developing) have contributed to more than half of the world’s growth in recent years.
• The objectives of South-South Cooperation according to the UN are:
  1) Foster and strengthen the self-reliance of developing countries by enhancing their creative capacity to find solutions and technological capacities to their development problems
  2) Promote and strengthen collective self-reliance among developing countries
  3) Recognize and respond to the problems and requirements of the least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, small island developing States, and the countries most seriously affected by natural disasters and other crises
• The concept of South-South cooperation emerged in the mid-1970s during discussions among developing countries who sought to reshape the international economic order.
• Indian experts have trained personnel in fields such as agriculture, disaster management, and information technology, to help countries utilize their resources efficiently and improve their overall development.
• In 2015, India pledged $10 billion as Line of Credit for Africa, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening the South-South Cooperation and supporting the development of African nations.

In the News and Trending in India for United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation

Top things to do in India for this observance

• Stay informed about how the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) is working to help Southern countries. This agency works to support countries by implementing cooperative policies.
• Learn more about the UN's South-South Galaxy program. It is a global knowledge sharing and partnership program that connects Southern countries. It allows them to learn and collaborate with one another from far distances.
• Learn more about the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). ICCR promotes cultural diplomacy and facilitates cultural exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen relationships between countries in the Global South.
• Attend the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit. DSDS is an annual event organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) to promote sustainability and address environmental issues in the Global South.