I am pleased to announce that UNOSSC has been working along with its development partners on an exciting global knowledge sharing and partnership-brokering platform. South-South Galaxy places in a single digital space all the great experiences of South-South cooperation!

Powered by artificial intelligence, the platform represents UNOSSC’s recognition of the exceptional potential presented by new digital technologies. South-South Galaxy offers transformational cooperation opportunities in the form of enhanced knowledge sharing and collaboration across borders, and a chance for businesses and social entrepreneurs to access overseas markets and engage in global e-value chains.

Previewing the formal launch of South-South Galaxy on 12 September 2019, Secretary-General António Guterres said he was pleased UN entities “are developing a system-wide strategy on South-South and triangular cooperation” and welcomed the launch of South-South Galaxy. Through it, Southern countries, UN agencies, and other interested partners will be able to connect, locate the best concrete cases and collaborate with potential partners digitally.

The South-South Galaxy serves as i) a one-stop shop for development actors to communicate and share solutions to address common challenges; ii) Acts as a matchmaker and connects solution providers and seekers by providing a space for networking, and tools for building collaboration; iii) Generates and promotes access to a vast repository of new knowledge products, cutting-edge research, and information on available financing mechanisms, capacity development tools and activities; iv) Enables dialogue by allowing users to get in touch with organizations and experts and explore new ways to solve development challenges, and create new, mutually beneficial opportunities

South-South Galaxy is a ‘next generation’ platform that will make South-South cooperation more of a reality by eliminating a significant barrier to entry– the lack of reliable access to a diverse range of knowledge, information and partners. It has the potential to become an important instrument for South-South and triangular cooperation toward improving the quality of people’s lives across the Global South.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our partners for their contributions thus far. We hope to build on our collective efforts, and to continue building fruitful partnerships through the utilization of South-South Galaxy. I would encourage you to visit South-South Galaxy, create an account, add your solutions, exchange resources, and connect with partners. I also invite you to join our ongoing discussions on Twitter and Facebook. Only by working collaboratively through innovative initiatives such as this one can we harness the opportunities presented by South-South cooperation in service of inclusive sustainable development.

My sincere good wishes for the upcoming holiday season and for a wonderful 2020.