United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation

What Is the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation?

September 12th is the "United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation." The day was established by UN General Assembly Resolution 58/220 in 2003 and was originally observed on December 19. In 2011 it was moved to September 12 to commemorate the adoption of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries on September 12, 1978.

Another Form of International Cooperation: Developing Countries Supporting Each Other

This day highlights the importance of cooperation among developing countries themselves, distinct from traditional aid flowing from developed to developing nations.

• Origin: On September 12, 1978, a UN conference on technical cooperation among developing countries (TCDC) held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, adopted the Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA)
• Establishment: The UN General Assembly established the day through Resolution 58/220 in 2003 (originally on December 19); in 2011 it was moved to September 12, the date the plan was adopted
• What is "South-South cooperation"? It refers to the sharing of technology, knowledge, and experience among developing countries, many of which are located in the Southern Hemisphere or nearby regions
• Significance: Countries facing similar challenges can share insights and experience in ways that benefit their mutual development

Wisdom That Originates in the Developing World, Not Just Aid From Wealthy Nations

Know-how developed in one developing country, whether in renewable energy, digital technology, public health, sustainable agriculture, disaster preparedness or education, often proves valuable in solving similar challenges elsewhere. Within the UN, a special unit for technical cooperation among developing countries was set up inside the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in 1974; it became the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) in 2013. In 2019, the 40th anniversary of the plan, the Second High-level UN Conference on South-South Cooperation (BAPA+40) was held in Buenos Aires.

Ways to Mark the Day

• Look into specific examples of South-South cooperation projects
• Learn about international cooperation projects that Japan participates in
• Check the news for updates on challenges facing developing countries
• Research organizations working in international development cooperation

Mutual Support Helps Drive Global Development

The UN Day for South-South Cooperation is a chance to reflect on how cooperation among developing nations contributes to global progress. On September 12th, take a moment to consider the many different forms international cooperation can take.