United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation
Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, South Africa, Thailand, Türkiye
About
United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation is observed on September 12 to celebrate the partnerships, shared knowledge, and practical solutions exchanged among countries of the Global South. It highlights how nations can work together to address common challenges, support sustainable development, and build stronger, more resilient communities.
The observance also recognizes the value of cooperation based on mutual respect and shared experience. From education and public health to technology, agriculture, and climate action, South-South collaboration encourages countries to learn from one another and create progress that reflects their own priorities and strengths. It is a meaningful opportunity to appreciate the power of solidarity and partnership in shaping a more inclusive world.
History
The **United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation** is observed annually on **September 12**. It commemorates the adoption of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries, approved in Buenos Aires on September 12, 1978. The plan marked an important international effort to encourage developing countries to share technical knowledge, practical experience, training, and resources with one another rather than relying solely on assistance from wealthier nations.
The observance emerged from the United Nations’ broader recognition of “South-South cooperation”—collaboration among countries of the Global South—as a valuable complement to traditional development assistance. Although the United Nations had previously recognized South-South cooperation through an observance held in December, the General Assembly later established **September 12** as the date associated with the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation. The change placed the day directly alongside the anniversary of the Buenos Aires Plan, emphasizing the historical foundation of modern South-South partnerships.
Over time, South-South cooperation has expanded beyond the exchange of technical advice. It now includes joint programs in areas such as public health, agriculture, education, digital technology, climate action, infrastructure, trade, and disaster preparedness. Cooperation may take the form of training programs, research partnerships, development projects, policy exchanges, or financial and logistical support. United Nations agencies help document these initiatives and connect governments, institutions, and development organizations, while also stressing that South-South cooperation is intended to complement—not replace—international development cooperation as a whole.
Culturally and politically, the observance highlights solidarity, mutual learning, and the value of locally developed solutions. It challenges the idea that development knowledge flows in only one direction and recognizes the experience and innovation of countries that have faced comparable economic, social, or environmental conditions. Each **September 12**, the day provides an opportunity to review successful partnerships, promote more equal international cooperation, and consider how shared expertise can support the Sustainable Development Goals.