- When: 12 September 2023, 3:00PM – 4:30PM
- Where: United Nations Headquarters, ECOSOC Chamber
- Watch: Video recording available here.
This year’s United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation will fall one week prior to the SDG Summit, and will be an opportunity to raise awareness and accelerate practical actions as we arrive at this halfway point to 2030. It will be an opportunity to highlight needs emerging from various regions as well as to present transformational initiatives toward achieving the most acute priorities of the 2023 Agenda by Member States, the UN System, private sector, and civil society
During the 21st session of the High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation, Member States recognized the development impacts of robust catalytic collaborations among the countries of the Global South in the areas of trade, investment, regional integration, and digitalization among others. Several reports issued prior to this High-level Committee session illustrated how Southern countries are strengthening institutional capacities while intensifying experience sharing and exchange of good practices toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Furthermore, recent global discussions – including the 2023 Development Cooperation Forum and HighLevel Political Forum – have recognized the urgent need to leverage South-South cooperation as a means to address the challenges the world is facing in an sustainable and equitable manner. By harnessing the power of shared experiences, knowledge, and resources, countries can enhance their capacity to address climate change, ensure equitable development, and secure a sustainable future for all.
Through leveraging South-South and triangular cooperation – as envisioned in the outcome of the Second High-level United Nations Conference on South-South Cooperation (BAPA+40) – there is an opportunity to address both immediate and long-term needs together, supporting countries to get back on track towards achieving the SDGs.
This year’s ‘Report of the Secretary-General on Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals’reminds us that it will take exceptional efforts and commitments to deliver a “rescue plan for people and planet.” The task ahead is daunting, but still possible. Unlocking the potential of South-South cooperation offers hope for concerted action and results.
South-South and Triangular cooperation are critical for developing countries to mitigate and adapt to climate disruption, address the global health crisis, including COVID-19 recovery, and achieve all 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It must play an ever-increasing role in resolving our common challenges.
👤 António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
1. Welcome
- Ms. Dima Al-Khatib, Director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation
2. Keynote Message
- H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly
3. Panel Discussion
- H.E. Mr. Peter Mohan Maithri Pieris, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations, President of the 21st Session of the High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation
- H.E. Ambassador Gerardo Peñalver Portal, Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations, on behalf of the Chair of the G77
- Mr. Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, BAPA+40 Secretary-General
- Ms. Rabab Fatima, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States
- Mr. Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs
4. Stakeholders’ Voices
- Reinforcing international solidarity, stakeholders’ voices will be highlighted in a short video. Regional and national priorities will be shared, including challenges and opportunities, and how the UN development system may offer support.
5. Interactive Discussion
- Floor is open for messages of Member States.
6. Closing