South-South cooperation, alongside other international development support, is key to achieving the 2030 Agenda, but the only form of development cooperation lacking systematic data. Momentum to measure South-South cooperation is rapidly building following the endorsement of SDG indicator 17.3.1 in March 2022 at the UN Statistical Commission, and its voluntary ‘Conceptual Framework to Measure South-South Cooperation’ which can make the increasing contribution of South-South cooperation visible. Developed by the South for the South, the new ’UN Framework’ can enable globally balanced, inclusive and representative information on development support through reporting of South-South data to the SDG indicator alongside data on North-South flows which have existed for decades. Now a Manual has been developed with pioneering countries, and first data are reported.
The event aims at raising awareness and sharing experience on reporting South-South data by discussing:
- How are national authorities to collect and report data on South-South cooperation projects?
- How can South-South data support analytical and strategic management and effective allocation of South-South cooperation flows to achieve sustainable development?
- What are the necessary steps, nationally and internationally, to support the process of measuring South-South cooperation?
The event is structured in two parts:
- High-level discussion on starting, facilitating, and further supporting national process of measuring South-South cooperation, showcasing achievements, such as developed concepts and tools, including e-learning course and data platform for South-South cooperation, and addressing the political support needed to support the demand for this work across countries of the South.
- Technical webinar, targeting national and international experts to collect and report data on South-South cooperation, by studying agreed concepts and methodologies, including available tools. UNCTAD will launch the South-South data website, building on expertise and contributions by pioneering countries in Latin America.
