12 September 2025 – The United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation was commemorated today at UN Headquarters, marking the adoption of the historic 1978 Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA) – a cornerstone for cooperation among developing countries and all partners.

This year’s commemoration, held under the theme “New Opportunities and Innovation through South-South and Triangular Cooperation”, comes at a decisive moment for the international community. With just five years remaining to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and following the landmark 2024 Summit of the Future, countries face a deeply complex global landscape shaped by persistent crises: climate change, debt distress, digital inequality, food insecurity, and an uneven post-pandemic recovery. As of 2025, over 800 million people remain trapped in extreme poverty, and many developing nations continue to spend more on debt servicing than on essential public services.

Amid these challenges, South-South and triangular cooperation have emerged as powerful, proven approaches for mutual development – complementing traditional North-South models. These forms of cooperation emphasize solidarity, peer learning, and context-specific solutions, enabling countries to jointly respond to cross-border challenges such as climate shocks, health crises, and digital divides.

“Today, we are celebrating solidarity across the Global South and its growing importance to confront the realities of a world in polycrisis,” said Dima Al-Khatib, Director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC). “South-South solutions do not stop at borders,” she said. “This is a pivotal moment to reposition South-South and triangular cooperation at the center of international development.”

“Countries of the Global South have a remarkable wealth of experience and innovation,” Ms. Al-Khatib said, also highlighted findings from the newly launched Global Report on South-South and Triangular Cooperation 2025: Bridging Horizons and Continents – Forging Transformative Pathways in South-South and Triangular Cooperation, which confirms that these forms of cooperation are moving “from the margins to the mainstream.”

The event began with video remarks from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. “In an increasingly multipolar world, developing countries are demonstrating remarkable resilience and ingenuity – not only in responding to crises, but in driving transformation,” he said.

A keynote message delivered by H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. “South-South cooperation is an important element of development, with proven results in helping to eradicate poverty, combat inequalities, and deliver on each of the Sustainable Development Goals,” Ms. Baerbock said. She noted that the Pact for the Future, adopted last year, together with the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, among others, offer a path to a more networked and well-supported system of global cooperation.

Additional speakers at the high-level segment included:

• H.E. Mr. Lok Bahadur Thapa, Permanent Representative of Nepal and President of ECOSOC
• H.E. Ms. Majda Moutchou, Chargé d’Affaires of Morocco, representing H.E. Mr. Omar Hilale, President of the 22nd Session of the High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation (HLCSSC)
• H.E. Mr. Lukman Al-Faily, Permanent Representative of Iraq and Chair of the Group of 77 and China
• and Mr. Haoliang Xu, UNDP Associate Administrator and Acting Administrator

“On South-South Cooperation Day, we celebrate unity and solidarity among developing countries to drive resilience, create opportunity, and accelerate progress toward the Global Goals,” said Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa. “South-South and triangular cooperation are vital to shaping inclusive development, fostering mutual learning, and driving innovation across the Global South.”

Representing the High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation Presidency, H.E. Ms. Majda Moutchou stressed the role of South-South cooperation as an indispensable instrument of collective action, pledging to further enhance the Committee’s visibility, expand Member state engagement, and strengthen communication platforms to align more closely with the needs of developing countries.

“The Global South is a wellspring of innovation, leadership, and resilience,” said Mr. Xu of UNDP. “In 2023 and 2024, UNDP facilitated over 700 South-South and triangular cooperation initiatives with partners worldwide – always aligning with national priorities and leveraging UNDP regional programmes as key platforms for collective action.”

Speakers and delegations underscored the Global South’s role as both architect and beneficiary of solutions, emphasizing the need to strengthen cooperation and scale up collective action. Over 40 delegations delivered statements, with many highlighting the urgency of leveraging South-South and triangular cooperation as a pathway to sustainable development, equity, and resilience.

Delegates called for enhanced collaboration in several key areas, including mainstreaming South-South cooperation into UN frameworks and national development plans; creating tailored financing mechanisms, such as blended finance and debt swaps; building multi-stakeholder partnerships involving governments, the private sector, and civil society; expanding platforms for knowledge exchange on climate solutions, digital innovation, and peer learning; and empowering youth and women through leadership opportunities and digital skills development.

Member States also addressed a wide range of thematic priorities. Many affirmed the centrality of South-South cooperation as an indispensable development modality – one that complements, rather than substitutes, traditional North-South cooperation. Delegations emphasized the importance of solidarity, mutual respect, and shared responsibility, calling for horizontal partnerships built on mutual learning.

Innovation featured prominently in the discussions, with countries such as Türkiye and Portugal showcasing technology-driven initiatives in renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, and artificial intelligence. Delegations also urged greater investment in sustainable and predictable financing, while Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least-Developed Countries stressed the need for targeted support to address acute vulnerabilities related to climate change, debt distress, and economic shocks.

Across statements, there was a strong focus on inclusion and youth empowerment, with delegates advocating for investment in institutional capacity and the active involvement of young people and women as leaders in shaping South-South and triangular cooperation processes. Many delegations expressed appreciation for the leadership of UNOSSC and acknowledged the role of UNDP in hosting and advancing these cooperation modalities.

In addition to the New York event, UNOSSC facilitated a global advocacy campaign led by partners in a series of commemorative activities:

• Colombia: APC-Colombia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia hosted events in Quindío, including the Annual Meeting of Emerging Development Partners and an intra-CELAC meeting on innovation in managing South-South cooperation.
• Rome: FAO, IFAD, and WFP organized a webinar on financing for food security and nutrition through South-South cooperation.
• Thailand: A triangular project supported by the Republic of Korea showcased innovative approaches to water, energy, and food security in the Lower Mekong Basin.
• Global: The Group of 77 and China hosted a high-level event marking the International Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the South.

Coverage of the events extended worldwide, with articles and op-eds published in UN News, CGTN UN-Insider, China Daily and InterPress Service, among others.

The United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation serves as a vital moment to both celebrate achievements and chart a forward-looking vision for collective action. With the upcoming 80th session of the General Assembly, stakeholders are poised to build on the momentum generated by this year’s commemoration.

“Harnessing the potential of the Global South is key to accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals,” Ms. Al-Khatib concluded. “Together, we can create a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world – leaving no country behind.”