UNOSSC supported the substantive secretariat of the General Assembly 2nd Committee Resolution on South-South Cooperation (A/RES/79/236), which was co-facilitated by Morocco and Portugal. Specifically, the Office supported the G77 in compiling the zero draft, providing evidence-based analysis. The resolution, which was endorsed by the General Assembly on 24 December 2024, highlights the importance of South-South cooperation in the following key areas:
- Reaffirmation of South-South and Triangular Cooperation: A/RES/79/236 highlights South-South and triangular cooperation’s pivotal role in advancing sustainable development, particularly for LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS.
- Addressing Climate Change and Advancing the SDGs: The document emphasizes collective action to tackle climate change and promote sustainable development in a manner that is inclusive and equitable. Priority is given to eradicating poverty, ensuring food and energy security, and building resilience in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- Support for COVID-19 Recovery and Building Resilience to Future Shocks: Acknowledging the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on developing countries, the draft text calls for sustained efforts in health system strengthening, economic diversification, and equitable access to vaccines and healthcare to ensure an inclusive recovery and resilience against future pandemics.
- Enhancing Financial and Technological Support: The resolution calls on developed countries to provide increased financial, scientific, and technological support to developing countries. This is aimed at facilitating access to digital and innovative technologies, bridging the digital divide, and leveraging South-South cooperation for sustainable development, especially through science, technology, and innovation.
- Empowering Youth and Building Capacity: Recognizing the significant role of young people in sustainable development, the document encourages the prioritization of South-South and triangular cooperation initiatives that promote digital skills, employability, and entrepreneurship among youth in developing countries, with the support of the UN development system.
- Strengthening the implementation of the voluntary conceptual framework for South-South cooperation led by UNCTAD: The resolution calls for strengthening the implementation of the voluntary conceptual framework for South-South cooperation, led by UNCTAD. This includes enhancing capacity-building efforts and providing developing countries with technical guidance, data collection tools, and reporting systems to effectively apply this framework.
- Supporting Vulnerable Groups and Promoting Gender Equality: The document emphasizes the importance of promoting gender equality, empowerment of women and girls, and support for vulnerable communities. It reinforces the commitment to the core principle of “leaving no one behind” and prioritizing those furthest behind.
- Enhanced UN System-wide Coordination: The resolution calls upon UN entities to integrate South-South and triangular cooperation within their strategic frameworks and planning instruments. The goal is to leverage the UN system’s capabilities to support Member States in achieving the SDGs and to enhance coherence across UN development initiatives.
