United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation

United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation

United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation is an annual observance that highlights the importance of collaboration among developing countries, known as the Global South. The purpose of this day is to promote economic, social, and political solidarity among these nations in their pursuit of sustainable development. Key aspects of this observance include fostering inclusive economic growth, addressing environmental challenges, promoting social and human development, and advancing peace and security in the Global South.

The origins of United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation date back to 1978 when the United Nations Conference on Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries adopted the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries. This day is relevant to the United Kingdom as it supports the principles of equitable and inclusive global growth, which align with the country's international development policies. By fostering cooperation among developing countries, the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation aims to reduce poverty, create opportunities, and address shared challenges for the benefit of all nations, including the UK.

In the United Kingdom, United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation is observed through various activities, such as workshops, seminars, and conferences, which focus on building partnerships to address sustainable development challenges. Government agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions often participate in these events to encourage dialogue and collaboration among Global South countries and their partners in the UK. This observance takes place annually on September 12, emphasizing the importance of partnerships between developing nations, not only for their own development, but also for contributing to a more equitable and inclusive global community.

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.
• The UK also encourages a regional approach to development, which is a key aspect of South-South Cooperation.
• The UK actively engages with the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) as a part of its commitment to support developing countries.

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

Top things to do in the UK 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.
• Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A). The museum's Asia department has an extensive collection of objects from the South and Southeast Asian regions, spanning from textiles and crafts to decorative art and photography.
• Check out the Southbank Centre, a cultural hub that hosts a series of events and performances showcasing diverse cultures and art forms from the global South.