Message of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation, 2026

On the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation, we celebrate the transformative power of partnership to accelerate sustainable development.

This year’s theme – “Solidarity Rising: Global Alliance for Inclusive and Innovative Development” – reminds us that countries across the Global South are creating and sharing solutions every day.

We have seen what South-South cooperation can achieve: from farmers adapting to a changing climate, to entrepreneurs expanding access to green energy, to health workers responding more rapidly to outbreaks.

The launch of the Global Alliance for South-South and Triangular Cooperation marks an exciting new chapter. Bringing together governments, development banks, academia and the private sector, it will help match national priorities with financing and expertise – connecting ideas to investment, and ambition to action.

These are powerful drivers of development, but they do not absolve developed countries of their responsibilities to advance North-South cooperation and reduce inequality.

In a time of division and conflict, South-South collaboration can be a catalyst for reviving global solidarity, and a powerful reminder that we are always stronger together. As we observe this important day, let us ensure that solutions created anywhere can improve lives everywhere. Let’s come together across borders for equality, prosperity and peace.

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