Remarks by the President of the General Assembly
Mr. Philemon Yang
22nd session of the High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 3:00 pm, Conference Room 2, United Nations Headquarters, New York
[As Delivered]
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am honoured to be here at the convening of the twenty-second session of the high-level committee on South-South cooperation.
I thank Ms. Dima Al-Khatib, Director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation, for her kind invitation.
As we approach the eightieth anniversary of the United Nations this year, we should recall that one of its core objectives is to advance international cooperation to solve problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian nature.
South-South cooperation is a vital part of this objective.
It does not replace, but complements, North-South cooperation.
Its growing significance is evident in the exceptional rise of the Global South, with trade between developing countries now accounting for more than a quarter of all global trade.
This form of cooperation has proven effective in addressing the specific needs of developing countries.
Particularly in areas such as capacity building, technology transfer, and the exchange of best practices.
In today’s challenging global context, the potential of South-South cooperation to support implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is more relevant than ever.
Your Excellencies,
As highlighted in the Pact for the Future, South-South and triangular cooperation can expand capacity in science, technology, and innovation.
It can do so while improving access to these tools across the developing world.
South-South cooperation has already helped deliver affordable innovations and scientific advances that directly address the needs of developing countries.
It amplifies the role of innovation as a driver of sustainable development.
Scaling up support for South-South cooperation will help:
Accelerate scientific and technological progress;
Improve the enjoyment of human rights;
And promote gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls.
Your Excellencies,
Artificial Intelligence is one of the most transformative technologies of our time.
If developed and used responsibly, it holds enormous potential to advance progress of the Sustainable Development Goals.
But its benefits must be accessible to all, and its development must be inclusive.
As underscored in the Global Digital Compact, South-South cooperation plays a key role in building the capacity of developing countries.
And in helping keep pace with rapid technological change while bridging digital divides within and between nations.
This is particularly important in closing the divide in Artificial Intelligence.
South-South cooperation can support the sharing of resources and infrastructure, ensuring that the Global South equitably benefits from ongoing advancements in Artificial Intelligence.
Moreover, to ensure that no one is left behind, it is essential that developing countries are meaningfully involved in shaping the ongoing establishment of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, and the Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance.
Your Excellencies,
As we gather today, let us seize this moment to
Strengthen solidarity among developing countries,
Amplify shared solutions,
And ensure that South-South cooperation remains a central component of the future of international development, while aligning with the objectives and spirit of the Pact for the Future.
I wish you every success in your deliberations and look forward to the outcomes of this important session.
Thank you.
Media Contacts
Sharon Birch, Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly, Tel: +1 212 963 0564, M: +1 646 342 5873, Email: birchs@un.org
Dr. Mariam Shaikh, Adviser/ Social and Digital Media/Media Relations, M: +1 917 3614990, Email: mariam.shaikh@un.org
More Information and Updates : Website: YouTube: X (Twitter): Instagram: LinkedIn: Photo Repository: Bluesky; Weekly Highlights
Resolutions of the 79th Session – UN General Assembly
