New York, Sept 11 (V7N) — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for stronger South-South cooperation to accelerate sustainable development, reduce inequality and strengthen global solidarity amid growing divisions and conflicts.
In a message marking the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation on Sept. 12, Guterres highlighted the transformative potential of partnerships among countries of the Global South and urged greater collaboration across borders to promote equality, prosperity and peace.
This year’s theme, “Solidarity Rising: Global Alliance for Inclusive and Innovative Development,” underscores the growing role of developing countries in creating, sharing and implementing solutions to common global challenges, according to the Secretary-General.
“We celebrate the transformative power of partnership to accelerate sustainable development,” Guterres said in his message.
He pointed to several areas where South-South cooperation is already producing tangible results, including helping farmers adapt to climate change, expanding access to green energy through entrepreneurship, and enabling health workers to respond more rapidly to disease outbreaks.
Guterres also welcomed the launch of the Global Alliance for South-South and Triangular Cooperation, describing it as an important new chapter in international development cooperation.
The initiative will bring together governments, development banks, academic institutions and the private sector to better align national development priorities with financing and technical expertise. It is expected to help connect innovative ideas with investment and translate development ambitions into concrete action.
The Secretary-General, however, stressed that stronger South-South cooperation does not diminish the responsibilities of developed countries to advance North-South cooperation and address global inequality.
“These are powerful drivers of development, but they do not absolve developed countries of their responsibilities to advance North-South cooperation and reduce inequality,” he said.
Against the backdrop of increasing global divisions and conflicts, Guterres said South-South collaboration could help revive international solidarity and demonstrate the strength of collective action.
“In a time of division and conflict, South-South collaboration can be a catalyst for reviving global solidarity, and a powerful reminder that we are always stronger together,” he said.
The Secretary-General urged the international community to ensure that successful solutions developed in one part of the world can benefit people everywhere.
“As we observe this important day, let us ensure that solutions created anywhere can improve lives everywhere,” Guterres said, calling for countries to work together across borders in pursuit of equality, prosperity and peace.
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