Advancing Development Cooperation through South-South and Triangular Cooperation

Overview

At a time of increasing complexity across development landscapes, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) continues to strengthen South-South and triangular cooperation as a catalyst for transformation in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

This work focuses on the transformative potential of cross-border collaboration, uniting diverse regions, sectors, and cultures in an exchange of ideas, driving innovative solutions and turning development challenges into opportunities.  

South-South and triangular cooperation is rooted in the principle of mutual benefit and solidarity among developing countries, and in acknowledgement of development being a collective endeavour grounded in shared goals and ambition.

By forging strong knowledge partnerships, UNDP is helping to ensure that this global network of countries has a voice and hand in shaping a sustainable future where no one is left behind. 

Transforming Global Development Together

South-South cooperation, once a nascent concept, has evolved into a robust framework for developmental solidarity among Global South nations, enhancing knowledge, experience, and resource sharing. Over three decades, it has catalyzed growth, boosting trade, investment, and technological flows, with South-South trade comprising 54% of the South’s total trade in 2022. Developing economies are emerging as significant FDI sources, expected to generate a third of global FDI outflows by 2025. The amplification of voices from the Global South, highlighted by leadership roles in the G-20 and the expansion of BRICS, signifies a shift in global economic dynamics. Despite strides, challenges like COVID-19 impacts, conflicts, and climate change persist, necessitating strengthened international cooperation for sustainable development. International cooperation, including South-South, triangular, and multi-stakeholder partnerships, need to be reinvigorated to mobilize resources and harness science, technology and innovation to accelerate progress towards strong recovery and sustainable development in those countries.

In the dynamic landscape of global development, UNDP is at the forefront of catalysing impactful change through South-South and triangular cooperation. UNDP's innovative approach is focused on facilitating knowledge exchanges, strengthening capacities and fostering collaborative partnerships that drive sustainable development and mutual growth across regions.

In 2023, UNDP reported more than 430 initiatives related to South-South and Triangular Cooperation in 95 countries across all regions reinforcing UNDP's commitment to fully integrating this cooperation focus throughout global, regional, and country programmes. 

 

Note: the data is sourced from the 2023 Results-oriented Annual Reporting (ROAR)

UNDP in action

    Knowledge Sharing

    UNDP facilitated some 240 South-South knowledge exchanges across country and regional offices, which addressed challenges around poverty eradication, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, governance, gender equality, fiscal and financial management, digital transformation, and more. 

    Examples

    In Ethiopia, UNDP led a knowledge and expertise exchange based on a similar study with UNDP China to help strengthen the country’s Capital Market Authority's (ECMA). This formed the development of new regulations, guidelines, and directives on public securities offerings for the inauguration of Ethiopia’s Securities Exchange.  

    A knowledge exchange series with the UNDP country office in Mongolia helped provide partners in Kyrgyzstan with good practices and lessons-learned in local participatory environmental monitoring to promote responsible mining practices and develop environmental governance capacity.  

    And in Lebanon and Kuwait, UNDP conducted digital maturity assessments between the two countries, providing actionable insights for government digitalization efforts in both countries.  

    Capacity Building

    In 2023, some 120 capacity development activities were held with governments and other partners across the Global South. These initiatives enabled them to implement the 2030 Agenda through harnessing the value of South-South and triangular cooperation.  

    Examples

    UNDP in Jamaica has established itself as a regional leader by enhancing Cuba's public budgeting processes. This achievement has been realized through training and advisory services aimed at aligning the public budget with the SDGs. 

    UNDP supported the African Union Commission (AUC) in developing and adopting the first Regional Action Plan (RAP) on Eliminating Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG). This landmark plan was adopted by Member States during the AUC Specialized Technical Committee (STC).  

    Partnership Facilitation

    Moreover, UNDP facilitated more than 100 South-South and triangular partnerships with national governments, engaging international financial institutions, civil society organizations, foundations, the private sector, research institutes, and academia. By leveraging the unique strengths and expertise of each partner, these partnerships are crucial in accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda through South-South and triangular cooperation. 

    Examples

    With backing from the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund of China, UNDP Pakistan renovated nine hospitals and 19 schools in the Quetta district of Balochistan, helping improve access to health services and schooling for approximately 136,000 individuals. 

    Bridging Divides within and across regions 

    In 2023, UNDP convened over 250 country-to-country exchanges and facilitated more than 160 exchanges to bolster regional and inter-regional collaboration. These initiatives explored shared development challenges by leveraging learnings and good practices in South-South cooperation.

    Examples

    UNDP assisted the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in the drafting of the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade. This effort is empowering women-led business participation in regional trade opportunities.

    Innovative Collaboration, Diverse Partners 

    UNDP's ability to bring together diverse a cross-section of stakeholders, including from governments and regional organizations, to the private sector, CSOs/NGOs, international financial institutions, and academia, has helped shape its success in facilitation country-to-country engagements, regional collaboration and initiatives. 

    Examples

     In Asia Pacific, UNDP worked with the ASEAN Secretariat & Germany, conducting the 2nd Regional Workshop Series on Combating Marine Debris, to deepen understanding of the challenges associated with plastic waste.

    In the Sahel region, UNDP and UN Women helped women-led CSOs to form a regional network to help integrate gender and social inclusion in disaster planning and addressing climate change.

    The Impact Spectrum: From Climate Action to Economic Growth

    Strategic Focus with Measurable Outcomes: In 2023, much of UNDP’s South-South initiatives focused on SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). These initiatives are the building blocks of a sustainable and equitable future, addressing everything from climate action and economic revitalization to gender equality and technological innovation.

    As we chart the course to accelerate the 2030 Agenda, UNDP continues to focus on catalyzing South-South and triangular Cooperation initiatives, pioneering inclusive development solutions across countries and communities. This global network of collaboration crosses boundaries and stakeholders, acknowledging our collective ambition for a sustainable future that leave no one behind. 

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