South-South cooperation is a manifestation of solidarity among peoples and countries of the South that contributes to their national well-being, their national and collective self-reliance and the attainment of internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

South-South cooperation is accelerating progress towards the implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). South-South cooperation is done through a broad framework of collaboration among countries of the South in the political, economic, social, cultural, environmental and technical domains. Involving two or more developing countries, it can take place on a bilateral, regional, intraregional or interregional basis. Through South-South collaboration, developing countries share knowledge, skills, expertise and resources to meet their development goals through concerted efforts. Triangular cooperation is collaboration in which traditional donor countries and multilateral organizations facilitate South-South initiatives through the provision of funding, training, management and technological systems as well as other forms of support. The United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation celebrates the economic, social and political developments made in recent years by regions and countries in the South and highlights United Nations efforts to work on technical cooperation among developing countries.

In 2026, the Day is observed under the theme “Solidarity Rising: Global Alliance for Inclusive and Innovative Development.” The theme highlights how South-South and triangular cooperation can help countries connect proven solutions with the partnerships, expertise and support needed to scale them. Across the Global South, countries are increasingly sharing solutions in areas such as renewable energy, digital innovation, public health, sustainable agriculture, disaster preparedness, education and public services. These exchanges help countries adapt successful approaches to their own needs and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. The 2026 observance will also mark the launch of the Global Alliance for South-South and Triangular Cooperation, a voluntary, UN-facilitated platform convened by the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC). The Alliance is designed to connect country priorities with expertise, partnerships and catalytic support, helping turn shared experience into practical action.

Links:
Day for South-South Cooperation – 12 September