FOREWORDS
The g7+ is an intergovernmental association of countries affected by conflict and fragility, which have come together to support each other in the transition to resilience and to the next stages of development. We do this by coordinating our positions in international forums, by functioning as a platform and focal point for conflict-related matters and by cooperating in an increasing number of ways.
This cooperation between countries experiencing conflict or emerging from crisis, known as Fragile-toFragile cooperation (F2F), was inspired by the rich and successful history of South-South cooperation. It is a version of South-South cooperation which specifically draws upon the resources and solidarity of countries affected by conflict and fragility, voluntarily supporting each other.
The g7+ was proud to work with the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation in the creation of this South-South in Action report. The report brings to you an overview of F2F cooperation, its principles and aims, and some of its achievements to date. Inside this publication, you will find examples of F2F cooperation in domains as varied as the promotion of peace and reconciliation, support to elections, natural resource management or dealing with emergencies. In their diversity, these examples show that in spite of the difficulties that these countries face, they have a lot to offer to each other.
As the world takes on the challenge of meeting the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, the countries most at risk of being left behind are those experiencing conflict and fragility. Ensuring that these countries make steady progress towards peace and development must be a global priority and a joint responsibility of all. NorthSouth, South-South and Fragile-to-Fragile cooperation all have important roles to play in achieving this aim.
Momudu Lamin Kargbo
Minister of Finance and Economic Development of Republic of Sierra Leone and Chair of the g7+
Launched in 2016, South-South in Action (SSiA) is one of the flagship series of reports of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC). It is a space for our partners such as Member States, United Nations entities, intergovernmental organizations, and civil society, to share their successful South-South and triangular cooperation activities. Through the SSiA series, UNOSSC encourages developing countries and partners to publish and promote the successful policies, initiatives and activities that have led to the achievement of development goals. Through this series, we are creating a repository of best practices, case studies, and lessons learned that can be shared across the global South.
We are pleased to present this fourth edition of SSiA in partnership with the g7+ group of countries. The g7+ is a voluntary association of countries that are or have been affected by conflict and are now in transition to the next stage of development. It is a unique intergovernmental organization that brings together 20 member States from diverse regions, cultures, traditions and historical contexts in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific.
The focus of this edition is Fragile-to-Fragile (F2F) cooperation. Developed by the g7+, F2F cooperation describes the support that g7+ member States provide to each other as they transition from fragility and conflict to peace and stability. Its principles and activities are inspired by, and closely aligned with, South-South cooperation. It is an important complementary modality to North-South cooperation.
As evidenced in this publication, F2F cooperation has much to contribute to peacebuilding and Statebuilding. Through activities including sharing experiences, engaging in knowledge exchange, and providing financial assistance, F2F activities are directly contributing to national development objectives, and the creation of a more peaceful world.
UNOSSC has a stream of work dedicated to the vitally important tasks of peacebuilding and State-building. I look forward to working more closely with the g7+, and other stakeholders, as we continue to build this line of work.
Those living in situations of fragility and conflict are amongst the most vulnerable populations worldwide. In order to meet the commitments of the 2030 Agenda – and to leave no one behind – we must pay special attention to these people. F2F cooperation, as a new and complementary modality of cooperation, undoubtedly has the potential to contribute to the development of a stable and peaceful world. I am excited to watch this modality mature and scale-up in the years to come.
I wish to thank our colleagues at the g7+ for their hard work and dedication, and congratulate them on this most interesting publication.
Jorge Chediek
Envoy of the Secretary-General on South-South Cooperation and Director, United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation
