“SSTC is more than a diplomatic phrase”
Core Argument
South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) is no longer symbolic diplomacy; it is a practical tool for sustainable development, innovation, and equitable partnerships. India plays a central role in shaping and scaling SSTC as part of its global development diplomacy.
Context & Background
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UN Day for SSTC: Sept 12 → marks the 1978 Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA), which promoted solidarity, shared learning, and technical cooperation among developing nations.
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Why relevant now?
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Only 1/3rd of the time left to meet 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Global aid funding shrinking.
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Crises: climate change, conflicts, inequalities → need for frugal, replicable, context-specific solutions.
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India’s Role & Contributions
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Philosophy: Guided by Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “world is one family.”
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Global Leadership Initiatives:
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Voice of Global South Summits.
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Advocated African Union’s permanent G-20 membership.
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Created Development Partnership Administration (MEA).
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ITEC Programme: built capacity in 160+ countries.
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India-UN Development Partnership Fund (2017–): 75+ projects in 56 nations.
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Digital & Innovation Exports: Aadhaar, UPI, DPI models.
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Food Security Partnerships (with WFP):
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Annapurti (Grain ATM).
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Women-led Take-Home Ration.
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Rice fortification programme.
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Optimised supply chains in India → scaled abroad (e.g., Nepal, Laos).
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Why SSTC Matters
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Cost-effective, replicable, scalable → better ROI.
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Diversified partnerships: involves not just states but civil society, private sector, communities.
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Triangular cooperation: links South-South efforts with support from traditional donors/multilaterals, boosting resources and trust.
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Track record:
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47 governments contributed to UN Fund for SSC → reached 70+ countries, benefitting 155 nations.
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WFP (2024): mobilised $10.9M from Global South + private sector for SSTC projects (aligned with SDG 2: Zero Hunger).
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Challenges Ahead
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Need for stronger institutions.
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Adequate financing (funding gaps).
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Courage to innovate beyond traditional aid.
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Knowledge-sharing & accountability platforms.
Theme for 2025
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UN Day SSTC Theme (2025): “New Opportunities and Innovation through SSTC”.
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Calls for renewed spirit of partnership → equality, inclusiveness, and innovation at the core.
Big Picture Takeaway
SSTC is not just rhetoric — it is becoming a lifeline for the Global South, offering practical solutions to food security, digital inclusion, and climate resilience.
For India, SSTC is both a diplomatic lever and a development export model, strengthening its identity as a bridge-builder between North and South.
