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30 Sep 2025 : ‘SSTC’ is more than a diplomatic phrase

 Editorial 2: ​‘SSTC’ is more than a diplomatic phrase

Context

South-South and Triangular Cooperation offers a roadmap toward a fairer and more sustainable future.

 

Introduction

With only a third of the time remaining to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, urgency defines the present moment. This is most evident in the growing role of South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC), celebrated each year on September 12 as the UN Day for SSTC. The date also commemorates the 1978 Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA), which established the foundation for technical cooperation among developing nations.

  • BAPA’s legacy: More than an aid framework, the Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA) enshrined principles of solidarity, mutual respect, and shared learning.
  • Core values: These principles have become the pillars of South-South cooperation, gaining importance as the global order shifts and new partnership models are sought.
  • Complement to traditional aid: South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) now acts as a critical supplement to conventional aid, especially amid geopolitical tensions, climate change, and rising inequalities.
  • Unique advantages: With its cost-effectiveness, replicability, and contextual relevance, SSTC delivers higher returns on investment, particularly at a time of shrinking humanitarian and development funding.

India’s Leadership in South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC)

  • Embodies the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family.
  • Transitioned from scarcity to a food-surplus economy with one of the largest food safety nets.
  • Acts as a voice for sovereignty, inclusion, and mutual respect.
  • Key contributions include:
    • Hosting the Voice of the Global South Summits.
    • Leading the G-20 Presidency in securing African Union’s membership.
    • Establishing the Development Partnership Administration.
    • Expanding the ITEC programme to 160+ countries.
    • Launching the India-UN Development Partnership Fund.
    • Promoting Aadhaar, UPI, and digital public infrastructure worldwide.
  • Recognised as a hub of innovation in digital transformation, climate resilience, health systems, and sustainable financing.
  • Partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) over six decades produced impactful initiatives:
    • Annapurti (Grain ATM)
    • Optimised supply chain in PDS
    • Women-led Take-Home Ration programme
    • National rice fortification project
  • These initiatives boosted domestic food security and offer replicable models for other developing nations.

Expanding Role of South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC)

  • Complex global challenges demand diversified partnerships.
  • Triangular cooperation connects developing nations, traditional donors, and emerging donors to:
    • Share and scale good practices
    • Unlock resources
    • Foster trust and mutual accountability
  • Partnerships must go beyond governments, engaging civil society, private sector, and grassroots communities for sustainable, people-centred models.
  • SSTC ensures value: frugal, replicable, and offering higher returns on investment, crucial amid declining humanitarian and development funding.
  • Global support:
    • Over 47 governments contributed to the UN Fund for South-South Cooperation, impacting 70+ countries and benefiting 155 nations.
    • Since 2017, the India-UN Development Partnership Fund has financed 75+ projects across 56 developing countries, especially LDCs and SIDS.
  • Recent impact:
    • In 2024, WFP mobilised $10.9 million from Global South and private sector for SSTC projects aligned with SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
    • India-WFP collaborations supported rice fortification and supply chain optimisation in Nepal, and a UN project in Lao PDR.
  • UN Day for SSTC 2025 theme: “New Opportunities and Innovation through SSTC.”
    • Calls for strong institutions, adequate financing, innovation, knowledge-sharing platforms, accountability, and expanded finance access.
  • India’s leadership: strengthening regional and global cooperation in food security, nutrition, and resilience.

 

Conclusion

The world calls for a renewed spirit of partnership—one that recognises contributions from all nations, promotes equality, and encourages innovation. South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) goes beyond a diplomatic concept; it serves as a powerful tool for transformation, a lifeline for billions, and a pathway toward a fairer and more sustainable global future.