Written by Elizabeth McManus, Trainee Research and Development Officer
On the 12th of September, the International Day for South-South Cooperation, we commemorate the pivotal moment in 1978 when the Buenos Aires Plan of Action was adopted, laying the foundations for South-South Cooperation. Founded on principles of national sovereignty, national ownership, independence, equality, non-conditionality, non-interference in domestic affairs, and mutual benefit, the 1978 plan was established to foster collaboration among the least developed countries.
On this day it is essential to highlight the positive work being done through South-South Cooperation and the progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals which are being made.
South-South Cooperation vs North-South Cooperation
In an era where the North-South paradigm still persists, South-South Cooperation stands as a transformative force challenging historical imbalances. It empowers countries to develop their own responses to challenges and strategies for progress rather than relying on external interventions which have long been dominated by Western powers to the detriment of alternative voices, means of governance, and ways of thinking. Whilst the twentieth century saw the end of traditional colonialism and empires, development has remained dominated by North-South relationships; a status quo that South-South Cooperation actively confronts and redefines.
In the last few decades South-South cooperation has gained momentum, particularly in relation to challenges such as poverty. However, climate resilience is a growing concern for countries in the South. Despite contributing significantly less to the climate crisis, countries in the Global South bear the brunt of its consequences.
The ANCSCC and Their Environmental Work
The Alliance of NGOs and CSOs for South-South Cooperation (ANCSSC) is significant in facilitating and strengthening South-South Cooperation efforts. The aim of the ANCSSC is to support collaboration among nations in the Global South by assisting in the design and research of projects tailored to meet the specific needs of communities. The ANCSSC’s work aligns with Southern countries’ priorities and aspirations, aiming to help achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals through collective action to tackle global challenges.
South South Cooperation has numerous examples of success, especially in the domain of environmental sustainability. One prominent example is the ANCSSC’s work in Bangladesh and Kenya. In communities such as Rajshahi and Borguna in Bangladesh, solar houses constructed by ANCSSC have been transformed into vibrant community centres that provide employment opportunities for women, spaces for skill development, and study areas for children.
Following the successful implementation of these initiatives in Bangladesh, the concept was adopted by a community in Garissa County, Kenya. Using South-South Cooperation to share the successes of the project in Bangladesh, along with knowledge and expertise, the project in Kenya was also a success. The ideas from the project in Bangladesh were adopted and tailored to meet the unique needs of the community in Kenya, including their expressed need for a freezer to preserve meat and prevent it from spoiling as quickly. This is just one example of the importance of South-South Cooperation in addressing climate change resilience. It enables nations to pool resources, exchange local knowledge, and develop cost-effective solutions for addressing shared challenges. This collaborative approach fosters solidarity and empowerment among communities confronting similar issues.
South-South Cooperation ultimately embodies self-reliance and sovereignty in development efforts. As nations are empowered to take ownership of their development agendas, they are able to find solutions that align with their unique needs and priorities. Simultaneously, it is a collective activity that ensures that countries in the Global South have a stronger voice in international forums and negotiations, advocating for their interests and addressing global issues that affect their development. It is therefore as much about solidarity as independence as it fosters a sense of shared responsibility in addressing global challenges such as climate change.
In a world where climate change knows no borders, South-South Cooperation emerges as a potential for hope, offering nations in the Global South the tools they need to navigate these challenges while standing united on the global stage.
Sources:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/south-south-cooperation-day
https://globalone.org.uk/assc/
https://www.unido.org/south-south-cooperation
https://www.un.org/en/civil-society/page/about-us#:~:text=A%20civil%20society%20organization%20(CSO,local%2C%20national%20or%20international%20level.
https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/south-south-cooperation-tackle-climate-change
https://globalone.org.uk/assc/
https://my.southsouth-galaxy.org/en/data/Alliance-of-NGOs-and-CSOs-for-South-South-Cooperation-ANCSSC
https://www.un-csam.org/KI-SSC
South-South Cooperation Offers Solutions to Urgent Climate Challenges