Context
The United Nations International Day of South-South Cooperation was observed. This year’s theme is “A better tomorrow through South-South Cooperation.”
About
- It is observed annually on September 12, as established by General Assembly resolution 58/220.
- This date commemorates the adoption of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA) in 1978, which promotes technical cooperation amongst developing countries.
South-South cooperation
- It refers to the collaboration among countries in the Global South to deal with common development challenges, share data, and build collective capacities.
- The concept of cooperation among developing countries originated from the Afro-Asian Conference held in Bandung in 1955.
- This Conference brought about the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1961 and the advent of the Group of 77 (G-77) in 1964. The G-77 specifically promoted South-South Cooperation in the 60s and 1970s.
Importance and Need
- South-South cooperation entails developing countries collaborating in diverse domains including political, financial, and technical regions, both bilaterally, regionally, or interregionally.
- It aims to share understanding, competencies, and resources to attain development dreams. Triangular cooperation, an associated modality, consists of guidance from conventional donors and multilateral groups to facilitate those projects.
- The desires of South-South cooperation are to decorate self-reliance, promote collective problem-solving, and aid the least developed and maximum susceptible countries in their development efforts.
- South-South cooperation is fundamental to attaining SDG 17, which focuses on revitalizing the global partnership for sustainable development.
- It also supports SDG eleven, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Global Efforts
- The United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC): It was created in 1974 to promote, coordinate and help South-South and triangular cooperation globally and inside the United Nations device.
- The “South-South Galaxy” : It is a global knowledge-sharing and partnership platform released in 2019. The project aims to offer systematic and powerful help to nations of the South, with the intention to connect, analyze and collaborate with ability partners in the wider digital world.
- South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC): SSTC helps development across sectors like agriculture, health, and schooling. It fosters mutual advantage, admiration, and non-conditional partnerships, contributing to more resilient and sustainable societies.
- The World Food Programme (WFP) has been actively concerned in facilitating SSTC, making use of mechanisms just like the South-South Trust Fund. In 2023, it supported 60 of 85 nations in accomplishing SSTC tasks.
India’s Approach
- Principles of global “South-South cooperation” guided India’s heat and friendly family members with all African countries.
- India has played a significant role in SSTC via initiatives like the Pan-African e-Network, India-Brazil-South Africa Fund, and International Solar Alliance (ISA).
- India has invested about $107 billion in SSTC since 1947.
- The G20 summit has solidified India as a main voice for developing countries.
- The inclusion of the African Union within the G20 strengthens India’s global function and partnerships.
Issues and Challenges
- SSC does not sufficiently tackle the ongoing consequences of colonization and dangers promoting neo-colonial ideas.
- SSC lacks a strong institutional framework, proscribing its performance and sustainability.
- SSC does not completely constitute India’s development cooperation objectives or its role as a significant international player.
Conclusion and Way Forward
- South-South cooperation is a manifestation of harmony amongst peoples and nations of the South and it remains crucial in addressing global challenges along with climate change, battle, and food insecurity.
- Therefore it’s critical to strengthen South-South cooperation which requires modern financing, a demand-driven approach, information sharing, and sustainability in environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
- The active involvement of Southern countries in international governance and development through SSTC reflects a vast shift in international cooperation norms, supporting the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.
Source: The News on AIR