International Day for South South Cooperation

Every year 12th September is observed as International Day for South South 

Cooperation . South collectively refers to developing countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America.  The day is observed to raise people's awareness about the various efforts made by the United Nations to further South South Cooperation. 

What is South South Cooperation and role of the UN  

According to the United Nations “South-South cooperation refers to the technical cooperation among developing countries.It is a tool used by the states, international organizations, academics, civil society and the private sector to collaborate and share knowledge, skills and successful initiatives in specific areas such as agricultural development, human rights, urbanization, health, climate change etc.”

The United Nations has set up the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) to provide advisory and consulting services to all stakeholders on South-South cooperation.

It enables developing countries to effectively face their development challenges and harness opportunities to address them.

Background to the International Day for South South Cooperation 

On 12 September in 1978 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. 

To mark the historic adoption of Buenos Aires' declaration the  United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to observe 12 September as the International Day for South South Cooperation. 

The first International Day for South South Cooperation was observed in 2011. 

Theme of the International  Day for South South Cooperation 2023

The Theme of the  Day for South South Cooperation for 2023 is : Solidarity, Equity and Partnership: Unlocking South-South Cooperation to Achieve the SDGs.