The COVID-19 crisis has amplified profound fault lines in the functioning of the global economy, starkly exposing the fragility of the current production model and the divisions and inequalities of the world we live in. Developing economies are being hit the hardest due to their role in global trade and the structure of their economies. As in all dramatic moments in history, however, despite its enormous cost in terms of human lives and the economic and social damage generated, the Covid-19 crisis can also present a unique opportunity for change. This is especially true for developing economies and their mutual relationships in the form of a strengthened South-South cooperation and solidarity to face the emergency.
The objective of this session is to facilitate this cooperation, involving new financial relations, rebuilding trade competitiveness by reviving industrial growth and strengthening south-south cooperation for taking bold initiatives in health and health-related areas. The session also aims at discussing how to best use South-South cooperation to recover policy space in multilateral trade agreements.
The session will be based on the presentation of recent UNCTAD’s research on South-South cooperation in the context of Covid-19 crisis. In particular, the speakers will discuss the findings of the Trade and Development Report update of May 2020 (South-South Cooperation at the time of Covid-19: building solidarity among developing countries).
Panel Discussion:
Chaired by H.E. Ms. Martha Lungu Mwitumwa, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Zambia to the United Nations Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Geneva and Vienna, Chair of the Geneva Chapter of the Group of 77 and China
Panelists:
- Richard Kozul-Wright, Director, Division on Globalization and Development Strategies of UNCTAD
- E. Mr. Indra Mani Pandey, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva
- E. Ms. Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of South Africa to the World Trade Organization
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