At the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), convened under the theme “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind,” South-South and triangular cooperation stand as critical enablers for achieving tangible progress. As the HLPF undertakes in-depth reviews of SDGs 3, 5, 8, 14, and 17, the experiences and innovations emerging from the Global South offer practical pathways to transform commitments into action. UNOSSC underscores that South-South and triangular cooperation are not only a modality of cooperation, but a catalyst for equity, ownership, and context-sensitive solutions that are grounded in shared challenges and aspirations.
South-South and triangular cooperation are already driving measurable progress across the goals under review. In health and gender equality (SDGs 3 and 5), countries of the South are engaging in peer learning and joint action to expand inclusive care systems, enhance legal protections for women, and integrate gender-responsive practices into development frameworks. Through South-South and triangular cooperation, Southern partners are also collaborating to promote job creation, bolster labor rights, and strengthen economic resilience (SDG 8) – priorities echoed in the outcomes of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4). Coastal and island states, meanwhile, are working together to advance marine conservation and blue economy strategies (SDG 14), sharing knowledge and tools that enhance both biodiversity and community livelihoods. Across all efforts, UNOSSC facilitates cooperation that embeds gender equity, climate resilience, and sustainability into core development agendas.
As SDG 17 calls for renewed global partnerships, South-South and triangular cooperation emerge as concrete expressions of solidarity and multilateralism in action. Grounded in mutual benefit and respect, South-South and triangular cooperation mobilizes resources, technology, and expertise from the Global South to co-create solutions tailored to national and regional needs. It strengthens trust in the multilateral system and helps diversify global development partnerships. At HLPF 2025, showcasing South-South and triangular cooperation highlights its vital role in accelerating implementation of the 2030 Agenda and in ensuring that no country is left behind.
UNOSSC Engagement during the High-level Political Forum
Launch of the UNOSSC Global Report 2025, 17 July 2025
High-level Roundtable Discussion: The IBSA Fund – A Partnership for Sustainable Development
High-level Policy Dialogue: From Marrakech to Belem – Global South’s Role & Experience in Shaping the Climate Agenda
UNOSSC reports, tools and services:
- About UNOSSC
- 22nd Session of the High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation and HLC Reports
- UNOSSC Global Report 2025: “Bridging Horizons and Continents: Forging Transformative Pathways in South-South and Triangular Cooperation”
- Guidelines for the Integration of South-South and Triangular Cooperation into the Country- and Regional-level Work of the United Nations Development System
- South-South and Triangular Cooperation Case Studies in Support of the Awaza Landlocked Developing Countries Programme of Action 2024-2034
Main High-Level Political Forum 2025 page:
2025 HLPF Special Events page: