UN to establish global South–South cooperation alliance

Civil society plays a key role in advancing cooperation among countries of the Global South, a senior United Nations official has said.

Dima Al-Khatib, Director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), made the remarks in a video message to participants of the General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform in Baku, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

According to her, non-governmental organisations bring global knowledge, trust-based networks, and practical innovation, while also helping translate solutions into real outcomes for local communities.

Al-Khatib stressed that civil society participation enhances the inclusiveness and scalability of joint initiatives, particularly in addressing climate change, reducing inequality, and strengthening urban resilience.

She also announced that, under the UNOSSC strategic programme for 2026–2029, a Global Alliance for South-South and Triangular Cooperation will be established.

“The Alliance will enhance coherence, scale, and effectiveness of cooperation. It is a multilateral platform bringing together similar initiatives into a unified global ecosystem of partners, solutions, and financing,” she noted.

According to the head of the office, the new platform will help scale up proven solutions, strengthen mechanisms linking demand and supply, and support coordination at global, regional, and national levels.