The four-day meeting focused on sharing experiences of novel solutions to meet food security and agriculture challenges in the context of sustainable development, particularly related to South-South collaboration.
5 December 2011: Exchanging success stories, experiences with South-South partnerships, and solutions for long-term food security in the context of sustainable development, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) and more than 20 UN agencies and partners held the Fourth Annual Global South-South Development Expo.
Speaking at the Conference convened from 5-9 December 2011, in Rome, Italy, UN General Assembly (UNGA) President Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser welcomed the sharing of successful experiences with agricultural productivity, social protection, managing fragile ecosystems, improving nutrition and combating disease, while strengthening South-South cooperation. Al-Nasser called for delegates to provide recommendations and support for the convening of a UNGA debate on ways to enhance South-South and Triangular Cooperation.
The meeting included a series of “solutions forums” based on: capacity development; social protection; environment; nutrition and HIV/AIDS; and health, agribusiness and education. Developing countries and their development partners shared Southern-generated, evidence-based development solutions that contribute to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Solutions presented were South priority/demand driven, demonstrated South ownership, and displayed South leadership.
The meeting also included a High Level Development Cooperation Directors-General meeting, serving as a dialogue on critical themes of Southern development. [Conference Website] [UN Press Release] [FAO Press Release] [UNEP Press Release] [Statement of UNGA President] [Closing Statement of the UNGA President]