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Study on Personnel Exchanges as a Cooperation Model for South-South and Triangular Cooperation 

This study examines the significance of personnel exchange as a cooperative model for South-South and triangular cooperation, emphasizing the sharing of knowledge and relevant competencies among individuals, countries, development actors and international networks.

Initiated under the framework of the South-South Global Thinkers Initiative — a global coalition of think-tank networks facilitating the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and perspectives from the Global South, it aims to maximize the potential and impact of South-South and triangular cooperation through joint research and knowledge sharing to inform policy dialogues and its agenda-setting.

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Through this research collaboration, Norec, UNOSSC and the SDPI developed a shared vision of enriching personnel exchanges. The study aims to highlight the multifaceted dynamics of personnel exchanges in creating the impetus for cooperative development initiatives. By fostering comprehensive improvements, this report sets the stage for enhanced effectiveness of personnel exchange, enabling South-South and triangular cooperation to strengthen its impact and contribution to achieving the SDGs and other Global South priorities.

The study’s main research questions focus on understanding the varied implications and effectiveness of personnel exchanges in advancing development cooperation agendas and priorities. This inquiry explores the significance of personnel exchange beyond the aspects of technical knowledge transfer, recognizing its role in fostering a deeper understanding of the social, political, economic and cultural dimensions of the host country, particularly from a Global South perspective.

The research also seeks to investigate the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of virtual communication and learning platforms on the future of personnel exchange. It focuses specifically on how a digital platform such as the UNOSSC’s South-South Galaxy platform may complement and enhance exchanges. This comprehensive examination aims to shed light on the evolving dynamics and opportunities within the realm of international development cooperation and knowledge sharing.

The scope of work also involves examining Norec’s model of reciprocal personnel exchange cooperation2 and its potential to promote the exchange of expertise through personnel exchange programmes. The inquiry involves an in-depth review of the effectiveness of Norec’s reciprocity-based model, with a particular emphasis on ensuring that knowledge exchange occurs bi-directionally. This encompasses improving technical skills and language acquisition and sharing diverse information about economic, social and political conditions and challenges among the participating countries. The research seeks to determine whether the model’s practical implementation aligns with its egalitarian principles, fostering true equality among all stakeholders engaged in the exchange. This investigation aims to gain insights that can contribute to refining and optimizing Norec’s model for the benefit of more equitable and mutually beneficial personnel exchange initiatives.

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