On the occasion of the International Day for South-South Cooperation, we recognize the significance of collaboration among developing nations to tackle global challenges and drive sustainable development. South-South Cooperation (SSC) refers to a process by which two or more developing nations pursue their individual or shared national capacity development goals by exchanging knowledge, skills, resources, and technical know-how. The cooperation brings together a variety of developing nations to collaborate in specific areas such as agricultural development, human rights, urbanization, health, and climate change through partnerships involving governments, regional organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector. In recent years, the countries of the South have contributed to more than half of the world's growth, which is why is it essential that businesses participate in the SSC efforts.
GOOD PRACTICE CASES
In addition to political dialogue and financial cooperation, SSC has promoted many knowledge exchanges that have resolved specific issues in the countries of the Global South. One of the organizations that are instrumental in advocating SSC is the World Food Programme (WFP), which is intensifying its efforts to prevent malnutrition. The WFP's SSC units assist the organization's country offices and regional bureaus identify the most suitable partners for their host governments. This enables them to access knowledge and innovations from the Global South in various areas, including nutrition and food fortification. The effort allows 35 million beneficiaries to access healthy diets through approaches that empower communities.
WHAT SSC MEANS TO BUSINESSES?
SSC is essential for developing countries to mitigate and adapt to climate change, resolve the global health crisis, recover from the pandemic, and achieve all 17 Sustainable Development Goals. However, a collaboration between governments and stakeholders, especially the private sector, which will play a significant role in the pursuit, is required. Businesses can acquire knowledge and improve their operations by engaging with the SSC by learning from the partners. Collaboration with ecosystem stakeholders will also give companies a social license to operate. In addition, they can expand the SSTC's reach by fostering collaboration within the ecosystem, which can enhance the entire ecosystem.
The International Day serves as a reminder of the importance of solidarity and cooperation in achieving common goals. As we move toward a post-pandemic reality and recovery, SSC will assist in breaking the cycle of poverty and development inequalities while promoting national development strategies. Crucial to SSC's contribution is the role businesses play along the way.
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