The Imperative of South–South Cooperation for Developing Countries

By Deodat Maharaj

Multilateralism as we know it is going through a seismic shift. Old alliances are being tested with clearly defined spheres of influence emerging. Whilst this represents a shock to the established world order, most wealthy countries will continue to fare well, though arguably with diminished geopolitical influence. However, the poorest and most vulnerable countries like the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) risk becoming even more marginalised. The question arises, how can this group of countries navigate this increasingly complex and fast-changing global setting.

To start with, there must be a clear recognition in the foreign policies of these countries that it is not an “either or” option. Of course, traditional alliances must be consolidated.

Trade and investment data confirms that, regions like the Caribbean must continue to engage with the United States which provides significant investment and remains a lucrative export market. Geographical proximity also leaves no other option. Similarly, countries in Asia continue to see increasing trade and investment link with China and this relationship will become stronger in the coming years. However, for both economic and diplomatic reasons, developing countries – especially LDCs and SIDS- must leverage additional options by building new global partnerships.A natural partner in this endeavour is the Global South. We are already seeing some efforts toward greater connections in the Global South. Africa provides a good example given its efforts at regional integration via Agenda 2063 [a 50-year master plan of the African Union 2013-2063] and the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area. However, even these efforts must be accelerated with systematic efforts also being made for cross-regional collaboration across the Global South.

Leveraging South-South solutions for transformation.

It goes without saying that the benefit could be immense in leveraging South-South solutions for transformation at the national level. Indeed, some of the most innovative and scalable development solutions are emerging from the Global South itself, proving that developing countries are not just recipients, but also providers of knowledge and cutting edge, relevant technology.

South–South Cooperation offers solutions born from similar development contexts. Whether in digital public infrastructure, agricultural technology, renewable energy, or health innovation, countries across the Global South have developed practical, cost effective and scalable approaches that respond directly to local realities. For example, Nepal has become a regional pioneer in telemedicine, expanding access to healthcare in remote mountainous communities through digital health platforms that connect rural clinics with urban specialists. Bangladesh’s Solar Home System, widely recognized as a case study for off-grid electrification, provides clean energy to over 20 million people.

India’s digital public infrastructure has enabled hundreds of millions of to access financial services. Rwanda has pioneered the use of drone technology to deliver medical supplies to remote areas. These all represent low-cost, high-impact practical solutions that are generating transformation in countries across the Global South. With high debt burdens and acute fiscal constraints, developing countries can ill afford high-cost and unsustainable development solutions.These examples illustrate how innovation emerging from the Global South can offer scalable solutions to shared development challenges, and when shared across borders through South-South collaboration, they become powerful drivers of collective progress. This peer-based exchange reduces the gap between policy design and implementation. It accelerates learning and most importantly, it reinforces ownership- a cornerstone of sustainable development.

South–South cooperation as a multiplier

Science, Technology and Innovation have become over the years fundamental drivers of structural transformation. However, many LDCs face systemic barriers: fragmented innovation ecosystems, limited research infrastructure, insufficient digital skills, and weak links between academia, government and the private sector. At the same time, new innovation hubs, digital start-ups and technology partnerships are emerging across the Global South, providing valuable lessons on replication for other developing countries.

Regional and global technology networks, joint research initiatives, digital skills partnerships, and innovation training programmes can help these countries accelerate their development trajectory. Collaboration among universities, innovation hubs, and policymakers across the Global South can foster ecosystems that no country can build alone.

Institutions such as the United Nations Technology Bank act as a “connector” – linking LDCs with centers of excellence in the Global South, facilitating peer learning, and supporting platforms where innovation can travel across borders such as connecting African innovation hubs with Asian digital expertise.

Re-thinking Foreign Policy with a focus on the Global South

As noted at the beginning, it is important to consolidate established partnerships in terms of foreign policy. However, now more than ever, it is an imperative for LDCs and SIDS to build strong partnerships in the Global South. In addition to leveraging knowledge and development solutions, these partnerships or coalitions will help amplify shared concerns and issues by speaking with one voice on the international stage. This is especially vital LDCs and SIDS which are either too poor, or too small to have a strong voice when speaking individually. Collectively, they are indeed stronger. Hence, the need for new partnerships and alliances in these trying and complex times.

In essence, strengthening South-South Cooperation unlocks new pathways toward inclusive development- pathways defined not by dependency but by partnership.

(Deodat Maharaj, a national of Trinidad and Tobago is the Managing Director of the United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries)