United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation
United Nations Day for South‑South Cooperation celebrates how countries with shared struggles support each other in smart, hands-on ways. These partnerships involve more than talk—they deliver real results.
Position your organization as a champion of peer-to-peer development and cross-border knowledge exchange by hosting forums, workshops, or grant challenges that celebrate South-South cooperation.
- Spotlight real case studies of technology or skills transfer between developing nations
- Host a virtual or in-person skill-swap workshop connecting educators, farmers, or health workers across regions
- Launch a mini-grant challenge for community leaders pitching South-South partnership ideas
- Share user-generated content from local success-sharing forums using #SouthSouthCooperation
United Nations Day for South‑South Cooperation began as a way to support teamwork among developing countries.
Back in 1949, the UN started a small technical aid program to help nations exchange ideas and skills.
Over time, this effort grew into something larger. In 1978, countries came together in Argentina to agree on a plan.
They called it the Buenos Aires Plan of Action. It marked the first major step toward building strong partnerships between nations in the Global South.
That same year, the UN created a special office to help guide these efforts. Countries were no longer just receiving help—they were helping each other.
In 2003, the UN General Assembly decided this growing cooperation deserved more attention. It passed a resolution to create an annual day to honor these efforts. The first celebration took place in December 2004.
A few years later, in 2011, the UN changed the date to September 12. That way, the day would match the anniversary of the Buenos Aires agreement. This shift tied the celebration to a meaningful moment in its history.
The day now highlights the ways developing countries support one another through shared tools, ideas, and local solutions. It’s a global nod to the power of teamwork.
Host a Success‑Sharing Forum
Invite local experts and international partners to present practical case studies. They can talk about technology transfers, skills exchange, or joint ventures.
Arrange a Skill‑Swap Workshop
Bring together educators, farmers, or health workers to teach each other proven methods. This helps communities learn from real peer experience.
Screen a Thematic Film or Video
Show documentaries highlighting real-life South‑South projects. These can spark meaningful discussion afterward.
Launch a Community Mini‑Fair
Set up booths where groups can display tools, know‑how, or mini‑projects. This creates an interactive space for sharing.
Share on Social Channels
Post pictures and quotes using hashtags like #SouthSouthCooperation or #TriangularCooperation. This connects local actions to global movements.
Start a Mini‑Grant Challenge
Offer small funding for community leaders to pitch South‑South project ideas. Winning proposals can get support to start local initiatives.