"Solutions lie in solidarity," says UN chief Antonio Gueteress

"South-South and triangular cooperation are critical for developing countries to mitigate and adapt to climate disruption, address the global health crisis, including Covid-19 recovery, and achieve all 17 Sustainable Development Goals," said the top UN official.

The UN chief stressed the importance of Southern-led development solutions being shared "far and wide".

"South-South and triangular cooperation must play an ever-increasing role in resolving our common challenges," he said.

But that does not absolve wealthier states of their responsibilities to work constructively with the developing world, "especially to reduce growing inequalities between and within nations", Guterres said.

In commemorating the day, he encouraged "all nations and communities to redouble cooperation and build bridges to achieve an equitable and sustainable future for all."

"South-South and triangular cooperation must have a central place in our preparations for a strong recovery," said the secretary-general.

"We will need the full contributions and cooperation of the global South to build more resilient economies and societies and implement the Sustainable Development Goals."

To highlight the importance of South-South cooperation, the UN General Assembly proclaimed Sept. 12 as the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation.