United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation

United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation

United Nations (UN) Day for South-South Cooperation is an important annual observance that highlights the need for collaboration between developing countries, also known as countries of the Global South. The main objective of this day is to raise awareness of the importance of South-South Cooperation in addressing various economic, social, and environmental challenges faced by these nations. The Observance emphasizes the mutual sharing of knowledge, resources, and technical know-how among countries in the southern hemisphere to realize sustainable development goals.

The origins of UN Day for South-South Cooperation can be traced to the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries, adopted in 1978. This plan provided a framework for collaboration among developing nations, including South Africa. South Africa's involvement in South-South Cooperation promotes the country's strategic interests and strengthens its position among emerging powers in the Global South. Furthermore, as a member of the G77 and the BRICS group, South Africa is actively engaged in fostering partnerships and solidarity within the southern hemisphere for mutual benefit and development.

In South Africa, the UN Day for South-South Cooperation is observed through various events and initiatives to support collaboration among nations in the Global South. These activities may include conferences, workshops, forums, and online discussions to engage with international partners, promote best practices, and share knowledge and collective insights on addressing common challenges. South Africans join the global community in observing the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation, which takes place annually on 12th September.

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.
• South Africa has been proactive in sharing its expertise in a range of sectors, including health, agriculture, infrastructure, and governance with other developing countries, through technical assistance, training programs, and knowledge transfer.
• After the end of apartheid in 1994, the new democratic and non-racial South African government emphasized the importance South-South Cooperation as part of its foreign policy, with a focus on building strong relations with other African countries and BRICS partners

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

Top things to do in South Africa 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.
• Known for its stunning beaches, scenic landscapes, and vibrant culture, Cape Town is a popular destination for tourists. Visitors can explore the city's many museums, galleries, and restaurants or take part in outdoor activities like hiking and surfing.
• Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located off the coast of Cape Town and served as a prison for political prisoners during apartheid. Visitors can learn about the island's history and visit Nelson Mandela's former cell.