South Centre

About

The South Centre is the intergovernmental organization of developing countries that helps developing countries to combine their efforts and expertise to promote their common interests in the international arena. It was established by an Intergovernmental Agreement which came into force on 31 July 1995. Its headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland.

The South Centre undertakes  research and analysis oriented on various international policy areas that are relevant to the protection and promotion of the development interests of developing countries. It helps the countries of the South to develop common points of view and to work together on major international development-related policy issues.

Within the limits of its capacity and mandate, the South Centre also responds to requests for policy advice and for technical and other support from collective entities of the South such as the Group of 77 (G-77) and China and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). It has an Observer Status in several international organizations.

The South Centre pursues several objectives which are listed in its Intergovernmental Agreement. Broadly, its mission is guided by two principles:

• South unity in diversity: The South Centre aims at promoting common interests among the countries of the South while recognizing and reflecting their diversity. For this, the South Centre works for mutual understanding among the countries and peoples of the South. It also encourages coordinated participation by developing countries in international fora dealing with South-South and North-South matters related to development.
• South progress through cooperation: The South Centre works to put South intellect and capacities in the service of progress and development. The experience sharing and cooperation not only among the countries of the South but also with the North should be carried out on the basis of equity and justice for all and contribute to the democratization and strengthening of the United Nations and its family of organizations.

Mission Statement

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly poverty eradication, requires national policies and an international regime that supports and does not undermine development efforts. The South Centre is an intergovernmental policy research think-tank composed of and accountable to developing country Member States. It conducts policy-oriented research on key policy development issues, and supports developing countries to effectively participate in international negotiating processes that are relevant to the achievement of SDGs. The Centre promotes the unity of the South in such processes while recognizing the diversity of national interests and priorities.

Work Aeas

The South Centre works on a wide range of issues relevant to the countries of the South and the global community in general, such as sustainable development, climate change, South-South cooperation, financing for development, international tax cooperation, investment, human rights, gender, trade, intellectual property, innovation, traditional knowledge, access to medicines, health, biodiversity and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.