South Center

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What the South Centre is

The South Centre is the intergovernmental organization of developing countries that helps developing countries to combine their efforts and expertise to promote their common interests in the international arena.

The South Centre was established by an Intergovernmental Agreement which came into force on 31 July 1995. Its headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland.

How the South Centre was created

The South Centre was made by the South for the South in 1995.

Its predecessor, the South Commission, recognized the need to strengthen South-South cooperation in international affairs. In its report 'The Challenge to the South', the South Commission emphasized the need for countries of the South to work together at the global level.

That is why the Commission recommended the creation of a South organization charged with undertaking this challenge. The South Centre, an independent intergovernmental think-tank of developing countries, was then created to analyze the development problems of the developing countries, encourage them to value and share their common experience and provide intellectual and policy support for them to act collectively and individually, particularly at the international level.

What the South Centre does

The South Centre undertakes research and analysis oriented on various international policy areas that are relevant to the protection and promotion of the development interests of developing countries.

The South Centre helps the countries of the South to develop common points of view and to work together on major international development-related policy issues.

Within the limits of its capacity and mandate, the South Centre also responds to requests for policy advice and for technical and other support from collective entities of the South such as the Group of 77 (G-77) and China and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

The South Centre has an Observer Status in several international organizations.

What the South Centre stands for

The South Centre pursues several objectives which are listed in its Intergovernmental Agreement. Broadly, its mission is guided by two principles: South unity in diversity and South progress through cooperation.

South unity in diversity

The South Centre aims at promoting common interests among the countries of the South while recognizing and reflecting their diversity. For this, the South Centre works for mutual understanding among the countries and peoples of the South.

It also encourages coordinated participation by developing countries in international fora dealing with South-South and North-South matters related to development.

South progress through cooperation

The South Centre works to put South intellect and capacities in the service of progress and development. The experience sharing and cooperation not only among the countries of the South but also with the North should be carried out on the basis of equity and justice for all and contribute to the democratization and strengthening of the United Nations and its family of organizations.

What the South Centre’s work areas are

The South Centre works on a wide range of issues relevant to the countries of the South and the global community in general, such as development policies, sustainable development, climate change, global governance, economic and social development, South-South cooperation, global economic conditions, intellectual property, technology transfer, access to knowledge, health, trade agreements and food security.

How the South Centre is structured

The South Centre has three principal organs:

• The Council of Representatives made up of the representatives of the Member Countries.
• The Board made up of a Chairperson and nine members acting in their personal capacity. The Board is appointed by the Council of Representatives and reflects a broad geographical balance among the countries of the South.
• The Secretariat, headed by an Executive Director. The Secretariat is in charge of implementing the objectives of the South Centre.