Southsouth-Galaxy

Webinar: Results and Opportunities of the Pilot Initiative on South-South Cooperation Between Cities on Sustainable Tourism, 29 March 2023

March 20, 2023
  • When: 29 March 2023, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (NY Time)
  • Concept Note: To download the Concept Note, please click here.

With its gradual positioning on the public agendas of the Sustainable Development Goals, tourism can and must play an important role in the reactivation of socio-economic development and in providing sustainable solutions for people, and the planet, bringing prosperity and peace. As tourism activities are closely related to culture, cultural sectors such as heritage, creative industries, and artists become key players in sustainable tourism. 

In cooperation with UNESCO Mexico and the Mexican Association of World Heritage Cities, the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), through the Cities Project, launched a pilot initiative in Mexico to improve the capacities of local authorities, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and communities to achieve the sustainable recovery of the local tourism sector and exchange practices through South-South and triangular cooperation (SCST).

The “South-South Cooperation on Sustainable Tourism Development in Mexican World Heritage Cities” project reinforces the protection of the Exceptional Universal Values ​​of the World Heritage Cities of Mexico, strengthens the positive synergies of sustainable tourism and culture within the framework of the SDGs and promotes knowledge sharing and cooperation between cities in the Global South.

Through various collaborative work activities experts, academics, local authorities and civil society met to develop capacities, exchange knowledge and identify how heritage cities can present cultural heritage as an agent of tourist attraction that allows better management and contribute to more inclusive sustainable tourism.

Objectives

The event aims to present the results obtained and the challenges faced by cities, and thus generate a dialogue between cities on South-South and triangular cooperation in sustainable tourism, heritage care, and creative economy. All the Mexican cities that have been part of the project, the cities belonging to the Sustainable Tourism Cluster of South-South Cities of the UNOSSC Cities Project, and the Creative Cities Network of UNESCO are invited.

The event also seeks to present the characteristics of the South-South Cities Cluster on Sustainable Tourism platform under South-South Galaxy, to maintain virtual exchange so that the experiences and knowledge developed by cities can be replicated in other locations in the Global South, thus generating new opportunities for South-South and triangular cooperation.

Agenda

Moderator: Ms. Muriel Obón, Project and Event Management, UNOSSC

1. Welcome remarks from the moderator

2. Presentation of pilot project results

  • Mr. Carlos Tejada, Coordinator of the Culture Sector, UNESCO Mexico

3. Cultural heritage as a driver of sustainable tourism

  • Mr. Jorge Ortega, President, National Association of Mexican World Heritage Cities (ANCMPM)
  • Ms.  Lizeth Salazar, UNESCO Consultant
  • Ms. Caroline Couret, UNESCO Consultant

4. South-South Cooperation, South-South Galaxy and South-South Cities Clusters

  • UNOSSC team presents video and the online platform

5. Q&A

Call for Submission

The United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) is pleased to invite submissions of good practices. We seek examples of South-South and triangular cooperation that showcase innovative, impactful, and scalable solutions, demonstrating collaborative efforts among countries of the Global South as well as supported through triangular cooperation involving traditional donors, multilateral organizations, and developed countries.

These good practices will be featured on South-South Galaxy, UNOSSC’s global knowledge-sharing and partnership brokering platform. South-South Galaxy serves as a dynamic digital repository where development practitioners can access solutions, connect with partners, and engage in knowledge exchange. The platform enables real-time access to development solutions, direct connections with solution providers, and interactive learning opportunities.

The call for submissions aims to identify, document, and disseminate good practices that demonstrate the transformative potential of South-South and triangular Cooperation in addressing shared development challenges. By highlighting successful initiatives, UNOSSC aims to inspire further collaboration, foster knowledge exchange, and strengthen the global South-South and triangular Cooperation ecosystem.

Key Objectives

Showcase Success Stories

Highlight effective and replicable South-South and triangular cooperation initiatives that have contributed to sustainable development, poverty reduction, and the achievement of the SDGs

Knowledge Sharing

Facilitate the exchange of experiences, lessons learned, and innovative approaches among stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector

Strengthen Partnerships

Encourage new and strengthened partnerships by demonstrating the value of South-South and triangular cooperation in addressing global challenges and fostering mutual learning

Inform Policy & Practice

Provide evidence-based insights to inform policymaking and programming at national, regional, and global levels

Focus Areas for Submissions

Submissions are welcome for all 17 SDGs. In particular, the submissions may address, but are not limited to, the following thematic areas

Poverty alleviation & Social Inclusion

Education and skills development

Debt Management & Sustainability

Migration & Diaspora Engagement

Climate & Environmental Sustainability

Digital Transformation & Innovation

Food Security & Agricultural Development

Technology Transfer & Capacity Building

    Health & Well-being

    Infrastructure Growth & Connectivity

      Renewable Energy & Energy Access

        Personnel Exchange

        Gender Equality & Women’s Empowerment

        Trade, Investment, & Economic Cooperation

        Disaster Risk Reduction & Resilience Development

        Submission Criteria

        Horizontal Cooperation

        Horizontal cooperation between two or more countries of the South

        Knowledge Exchange

        Facilitates systematic knowledge transfer between for mutual benefit, addressing complex transnational challenges that require collaborative solutions.

        Innovative

        Present creative approaches to development challenges and/or establishes more effective collaboration methods that enhance developing countries’ competitive advantages.

        Replicable and Adaptable

        Shows potential for implementation in diverse contexts with similar objectives, supported by successful applications or thorough feasibility studies.

        Sustainable

        Advances one or more SDGs through environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable practices that create lasting positive impact without compromising future needs.

        Effective

        Demonstrates strategic relevance in achieving specific SDG-related objectives, with evidence of successful implementation, scaling, and positive impact on communities.

        Technically Feasible

        Features straightforward learning curves and implementation processes.

        Participatory

        Fosters shared ownership of decisions and actions among all stakeholders.

        Who can apply:

        We welcome submissions from a wide range of entities, including but not limited to:

        • UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes
        • International Financial Institutions and multilateral development organizations
        • Government Agencies/ Ministries
        • Civil society organizations
        • Academic and research institutions
        • Private sector entities
        • Philanthropic foundations
        • Regional and sub-regional organizations
        • Centers of Excellence

        Submission Process:

        The submission process has two steps. Complete the Good Practices submission template (MS Word) and submit to naveeda.nazir@unossc.org; Cc: southsouth-galaxy@unossc.org. All submissions will undergo a review process managed by UNOSSC to ensure quality assurance as per the aforementioned criteria for quality assurance. Once reviewed and cleared, the partner organizations can upload the final submission via the South-South Galaxy Online Solutions Submission Form. Please note that registration on South-South Galaxy is required to access the submission form.

        Interested parties are invited to submit their good practices by 15 May 2025.

        Be part of our efforts to harness the power of South-South and triangular Cooperation in driving sustainable development and building a more equitable world. We look forward to receiving your submissions!