Call for Expression of Interest: Invitation to join the UNOSSC South-South Global Thinkers Network

Introduction:

To leverage the potential of South-South and triangular cooperation and better integrate this modality into policies and programmes, Member States need access to relevant knowledge solutions derived from robust research. “Knowledge solutions” refers to actionable insights, good practices, strategies and/or recommendations that are derived from frontier evidence-based research work. These solutions aim to address specific challenges and optimize aspects of policy, governance, programmatic and other operational facets of international development cooperation.

Research is essential in this context, as it provides the foundation for understanding complex development challenges, such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and health crises, and offers data-driven insights that inform targeted interventions. By distilling research findings into practical, implementable steps, policymakers can make more informed decisions, strengthen institutional capacities, and foster knowledge-sharing among countries in the Global South. Knowledge solutions, therefore, should extend to high-quality, evidence-based policy advice across the national priorities and sectors of Member States, strengthen their institutional capacity, and expand knowledge partnerships for testing new ways of thinking about critical development issues.

Call for Submission:

The United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) invites think tanks, research institutions, do-tanks, and academic organizations to join the South-South Global Thinkers Network. This initiative fosters partnership, knowledge-sharing, and innovative solutions to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through South-South and triangular cooperation.

About the UNOSSC South-South Global Thinkers Initiative

The UNOSSC South-South Global Thinkers initiative is a global Coalition of think tanks on South-South and triangular cooperation where think tank and do-tank networks from both the Global South and the North come together forging a dynamic platform that brings together leading think tanks and research institutions to:

• Generate cutting-edge research and policy analysis on South-South and triangular cooperation.
• Promote the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and best practices.
• Support the development of innovative strategies to address global challenges.
• Strengthen the role of South-South and triangular cooperation in achieving the SDGs.
• Inform policy dialogues and agenda-setting on South-South and triangular cooperation.

The initiative seeks to promote a multi-stakeholder approach, with a strong emphasis on engagement with Member States, UN agencies, development partners and key intergovernmental forums. This collaborative approach is designed to facilitate a two-way exchange of information. On the one hand, the project aims to provide valuable research outputs, contributing to informed discussions. On the other hand, it seeks to collect insights and perspectives from Member States and intergovernmental bodies, ensuring that the research remains contextually relevant and aligns with the practical needs and challenges faced in the field of South-South cooperation.

The new phase builds on the results achieved in the project’s first phase, which was implemented jointly with UNDP between 2017 and 2023. Key results are summarized below (click each tab to see respective description)