International development cooperation in a changing scenario
Summary of the presentation by Dr. Carlos Correa, South Centre Executive Director, at the Emerging Development Partners’ (EDP) Meeting in Bali on 11 June 2024
UNCTAD at 60: Reflections on six decades of promoting economic development for the Global South
By Yuefen Li and Danish
The United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) celebrated its 60th anniversary in June 2024 in Geneva, holding a high-level Global Leaders Forum that brought together ministers, officials and experts to discuss the multidimensional challenges facing countries, and strategies for advancing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It highlighted the need for innovative solutions to address current global crises that can promote resilience, economic growth and sustainable development.
UNGA adopts first resolution on Artificial Intelligence
By Viviana Munoz Tellez
The United Nations recently approved a first resolution on Artificial Intelligence (AI). It contains a number of important principles and objectives that if achieved can help to leverage the potential of AI systems in all countries and control their risks. However, issues of critical importance for developing countries, such as bridging the digital divide in the use of AI, capacity building, ethics, bias and unfair data exploitation, are not adequately covered.
Transforming the Non-Military Structures of Global Governance
Assessing Priorities for Chapter 5 of the Pact for the Future
By Harris Gleckman, PhD
Published by South Centre and Transnational Institute
The complex web of challenges confronting humanity – climate change, pandemics, economic inequality, and violent conflict – demands a robust global governance system. However, the current architecture, centred on the United Nations, is widely considered inadequate. This document delves into this debate, analysing proposed reforms for the UN system in the Summit of the Future context. At the centre of the discussion is the need for an update to the UN System, particularly strengthening its effectiveness, efficiency, and democratic representation. The document recognises the need for prioritisation, focusing on reforms that tackle the “triple crisis” – climate change, inequality, and conflict – while remaining politically achievable. The document also highlights the disconnect between economic and political institutions, arguing for a more unified approach. Reform proposals encompass a wide spectrum, including institutional changes, consultative practices, decision-making rules and financing. The reforms proposed aim to empower the UN to take decisive action on pressing global issues, looking at past reform efforts, assessing the feasibility of current proposals, and prioritising those most likely to yield tangible results. This publication aims to serve as a roadmap for navigating the complexities of UN reform and providing a comprehensive overview of proposed changes towards shaping a more effective and democratic global governance system for the future.
Leveraging the Potential of South-South and Triangular Cooperation for the Decade of Action
A joint publication by Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), South Centre, United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC)
This document was prepared for a Side Event to the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit and Third South Summit, held in Kampala, Uganda in January 2024.
This joint initiative is meant to provide a detailed look at the current state of South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTrC) and consider how international development cooperation and the role of developing countries can be enhanced in the future.
The paper aims to, inter alia, explore the landscape of SSTrC uncovered by the COVID-19 pandemic and recent global events; look at how the pandemic acted as a stress test for international cooperation; consider the national institution building necessary for effectively engaging in SSTrC; and suggest different ways forward for leveraging SSTrC towards building resilient societies and achieving national development priorities, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It considers the possibilities of leveraging SSTrC for enhancing the transfer of knowledge, experiences and technologies within the Global South and increased capacity building in developing countries.
The Global Digital Compact we need for people and the planet
by Anita Gurumurthy, Nandini Chami, Shreeja Sen, Merrin Muhammed Ashraf of IT for Change
The Zero Draft of the Global Digital Compact (GDC) to be adopted at the Summit of the Future is crucial to international digital cooperation under a transformative vision of global digital governance. It should identify the means for achieving equitable participation, sustainable development, gender equality, increased local capacity, public ownership of core digital infrastructure and address the concentration of power in the digital economy. This SouthViews considers some of the shortcomings of the draft GDC, particularly in attaining equitable international data governance and democratic participation in a digital multistakeholder scenario to avoid data monopolies and ensure inclusive policy-making processes, while recentering the objectives of Internet governance for inclusive and development-oriented information societies.
A Dialogue with the G77+China Countries
Summit of the Future: risk and opportunities for developing countries
Co-organised by South Centre & Transnational Institute
11 April 2024, 13:00-15:00 (CET)
Geneva, Switzerland
Venue: International Environment House II, Chemin de Balexert 7-9, 1219 Vernier
Statement for the Third South Summit of the Group of 77 and China
Kampala, Uganda
21-23 January 2024
South Centre stressed that the theme of the G77 Summit ‘Leaving No One Behind ’ reflects the urgent needs and aspirations of the Global South towards meeting their Sustainable Development priorities.
The Centre highlighted the importance of South-South Cooperation for dealing with the most critical challenges of our time, eradicating poverty, healing and securing our planet, & shifting the world onto a sustainable and resilient path.
The South Centre stands ready to support developing countries and the G77+China to find common positions and mutual understanding in key areas of global governance and multilateral negotiations for effectively addressing the global crises that define our time.
Statement for the 19th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement
Kampala, Uganda
19-20 January 2024
The South Centre addressed the 19th Summit of NAM, and highlighted that international cooperation and SSTrC are vital for facing global challenges and fostering a more peaceful and interconnected world.
The Centre emphasized that the experience and achievements of NAM should play a major role in the efforts to reform the international economic order towards sustainable development, poverty eradication, and fair and equitable global governance.
The NAM has a major role to promote international cooperation, sustainable development, peace & security, and ensuring shared global affluence for its member States. The South Centre stands ready to support the NAM to achieve their common objectives and priorities.
Side Event to the 19th NAM Summit and the Third South Summit
“Leveraging the Potential of South-South and Triangular Cooperation for the Decade of Action”
Co-organized by the Islamic Development Bank, South Centre and UNCTAD
20 January 2024, 14:30 – 15:30
Kampala, Uganda
Venue: Victoria Ballroom, Speke Resort Munyonyo
Panel During the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) e-Week
“Overcoming the fragmentation of digital governance: what role for the Global Digital Compact and e-trade rules?”
Co-organized by the South Centre (SC) and the University of St. Gallen
7 December 2023
Geneva, Switzerland
Panel During the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) e-Week
“Digital health at the crossroads of human rights, AI governance and digital trade”
Co-organized by the South Centre (SC) and the Brazilian Institute for Consumer Protection (Idec)
6 December 2023
Geneva, Switzerland
