Study of Triangular Cooperation in the Arab Region Focusing on Policies, Perspectives of DAC Members Launched

October 13, 2023

Scaling-up Partnerships: 7th International Meeting on Triangular Cooperation

12 October 2023, Lisbon, Portugal – Ms. Dima Al-Khatib, Director UNOSSC, participated in the 7th International Meeting on Triangular Cooperation: Scaling-up Partnerships held in Lisbon, Portugal, organized by the Government of Portugal and the OECD. The meeting brought together a wide range of stakeholders involved in triangular cooperation partnerships to discuss the role of triangular cooperation in contributing to the global development agenda, including the 2030 Agenda, Summit for the Future, and COP.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Al-Khatib emphasized that it is critical to value triangular cooperation’s increasing importance together with South-South cooperation for addressing developmental challenges.

By utilizing the expertise, resources, and knowledge of various actors, synergies can be created to address the complex and interrelated challenges that developing countries encounter today,

said Ms. Dima Al-Khatib

During the opening session, she also highlighted UNOSSC’s recent study on “Triangular Cooperation in the Arab Region: Policies, Perspectives and Practices of Development Assistance Committee (DAC) Members.” The study, prepared in response to the growing interests of the member states from the Arab region, offers the first comprehensive analysis of DAC members’ engagement in triangular cooperation globally and provides in-depth insights into their engagement in the Arab region.

She emphasized that the role of the United Nations remains proactive in exploring steps toward synthesizing existing approaches through various processes.

“UNOSSC, as a platform for policy dialogues and action, anchored in central nodes of the UN System, is well positioned to amplify consensus messages, showcase proven development solutions, and facilitate joint initiatives,” said Ms. Dima Al-Khatib.

During a Panel Discussion on Financing Triangular Cooperation, Ms. Al-Khatib further elucidated on the key findings and recommendations of the report, and on how we can further enhance and optimize the implementation of triangular cooperation, especially considering the various strategies and practices documented within DAC members.

She emphasized that triangular cooperation holds immense potential, and the benefits of jointly piloting approaches and initiatives through the multilateral system will help bridge North-South development perspectives and foster a shared North-South-South understanding.

UNOSSC enjoys a wealth of experience spanning multiple decades managing Trust Funds. In response to the UN Secretary-General’s call for a “triangular cooperation window” within the United Nations Fund for South-South Cooperation, UNOSSC is working to set up a triangular cooperation window through conceptualizing and co-designing jointly with the Member States, stakeholders, and prospective contributing/programme partners.

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!