Handbook on Integrating South-South and Triangular Cooperation in the Voluntary National Reviews (2023)

South-South and triangular cooperation are a valuable catalyst in galvanizing political will and in enhancing knowhow to implement the much needed economic and social reforms to rescue the SDGs. Recognizing this, countries are increasingly integrating South-South and triangular cooperation in the preparation and presentation of their voluntary national reviews (VNRs).

The integration of South-South and triangular cooperation perspectives in the VNRs helps in tracking progress in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda more comprehensively and inclusively, and generating valuable evidence of South- South and triangular cooperation contributions toward achieving the SDGs.

The Co-Chairs of the Group of Friends of VNRs and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) are committed to supporting developing countries in integrating South-South and triangular cooperation perspectives into the preparation and presentation of their VNRs. With this handbook, the Co-Chairs of the Group of Friends of VNRs and UNOSSC are jointly responding to the 2022 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development Ministerial Declaration and the latest intergovernmental resolutions on South-South cooperation. The handbook provides step-by- step guidance, drawing from good practices, and examples, on integrating South-South and triangular cooperation in the preparation and presentation of VNRs. It was developed in close collaboration with Member States, UN Entities and relevant stakeholders. The handbook also complements the existing proposal of the Secretary-General for voluntary common reporting guidelines for VNRs at the High-Level Political Forum, the UN DESA Handbook for the Preparation of VNRs, and other VNR resource packages.

For more information, please contact Bhushan Shrestha, Results-Based Management Specialist, at bhushan.shrestha@unossc.org.