Accomplishing the goals of the Paris Agreement requires a significant multilateral effort to support structural transformations in every economy and society, backed by a global investment push. Given the increasing challenges, including high debt burdens, limited fiscal space and increasingly volatile global economic conditions, South-South cooperation and regional integration are emerging as vital levers in advancing on climate goals, offering pathways for green structural transformation, affordable climate financing and climate-resilient development. While not a substitute for multilateralism, South-South cooperation has demonstrated resilience amid recent economic turbulence and represents a building block in reviving multilateral cooperation. As global solidarity and the multilateral climate regime face new challenges, there is a renewed urgent need to explore how developing countries can deepen cooperation, within and across regions, to drive transformative climate action.
Discussions at this event will explore the innovative partnerships developing countries are forging to achieve low-carbon development paths through mutual learning, solidarity and shared solutions; and will showcase the work of UNCTAD in supporting cooperation for climate-resilient development, including climate finance, green industrial policy and sustainable development strategies.
Programme
Opening remarks: Secretary-General/Deputy Secretary-General
High-level panel and interactive discussion
Questions
- What are the greatest barriers facing climate-resilient development?
- What role does South–South cooperation have in revitalizing multilateralism?
- What are the most promising opportunities for mobilizing more resources for climate-resilient development?
- How can green industrial policy, including through regional cooperation, enable green structural transformation in developing countries?
- What further progress is necessary to bring the climate and development agendas into alignment?
Moderator: To be determined
