10 May 2017: South-South cooperation (SSC) has huge potential to help developing countries implement the Paris Agreement and achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to a report jointly published by the UNFCCC Secretariat and the UN Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG).

The report, titled ‘Catalyzing the Implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions in the Context of the 2030 Agenda through South-South Cooperation,’ examines linkages between Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the SDGs, which are included in many countries’ NDCs. The publication underscores how developing countries can further climate action through South-South cooperation and benefit from “southern solutions” that address both climate change and multiple development challenges. In particular, the report addresses how national priority areas outlined in NDCs can provide an entry point for SSC and how NDC implementation will generate co-benefits for achieving the SDGs.

South-South cooperation (SSC) has huge potential to help developing countries implement the Paris Agreement and achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In the report’s forward, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed emphasizes empowering partnerships for sustainable development, including those in the global South, which, she states, are “gaining traction.” The report highlights, in particular, strong inter-linkages between greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production) and SDG 15 (life on land). It also points to links between climate resilience and SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) and SDG 14 (life below water).

The report goes on to explain that many emerging and developing countries have been gaining experience and knowledge through adopting sustainable, low emission and climate-resilient development pathways, and increasing their capacity and willingness to help other countries with their development needs. It presents six case studies of SSC and triangular cooperation for priority areas identified by developing countries in their NDCs, all of which have provided opportunities to cooperate on common development challenges and solutions based on “shared priorities, proximity and socioeconomic development pathways,” and can be scaled up and replicated. The report highlights the role that the international community and the UN can play in promoting and facilitating SSC, and it examines developing countries’ adaptation and mitigation strategies.

The report was released on 10 May 2017 during a side event at the UN Climate Change Conference, which is convening in Bonn, Germany, through 18 May. It was commissioned by the UN Southern Climate Partnership Incubator, an initiative launched by EOSG and the UN Office for South-South Cooperation. [UNFCCC Press Release] [Publication: Catalyzing the Implementation of NDCs in the Context of the 2030 Agenda through South-South Cooperation] [IISD RS ENBOTS Coverage] [IISD RS ENB Video]