The United Nations has launched the Climate Partnerships for the Global South – also known as Southern Climate Partnership Incubator –  to initiate, facilitate, and support partnerships that will help developing countries address climate change.

What is this initiative?

SCPI is an UN Secretary-General-led initiative that is designed to incubate, facilitate, and support cross-country partnerships. The initiative also supports countries’ implementation of the historic Paris Agreement and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda (SDGs). The initiative is both an online and offline multi-stakeholder platform.

Why does this initiative exist?

Climate change is the defining challenge of our species, and has extensive implications on economies, societies and ecosystems. The Global South is at risk of negative outcomes from a changing climate due to their high vulnerability and low resilience. Climate change threatens to reverse the development gains that these countries have made in previous years.

Addressing climate change is a core component of the 2030 Agenda and at the heart of the historic Paris Agreement. Enhanced international cooperation is embedded in almost every major element of the Paris Climate Agreement and broad partnerships are an integral part of the Sustainable Development Goals. This is particularly essential for countries from the Global South who face multiple challenges in addressing climate change and achieving SDGs.

On the road to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and implementing Paris Agreement, no one must be left behind.

With shared needs and shared opportunities, South-South Cooperation (SSC) is an effective way for countries from the Global South to work with each other and learn from each other. SSC, as a means of implementation for sustainable development and climate action, has gained increasing traction and attention by both Southern countries and international community.

As Ban Ki-Moon eloquently stated during South-South Cooperation Day:

“We need to accelerate development momentum across the South, including by building resilience and mitigating risk. This will require attention to the needs of the most vulnerable by enhancing the productive capacities of Least Developed Countries and improving access to environmentally sound technologies, education, essential medicines and credit.”

The United Nations is in a unique position to initiate, facilitate, and support partnerships that help countries implement the Paris Agreement and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SCPI was launched on April 21 at UN Headquarters in New York, on the margins of the Signing of the Paris Climate Agreement.

What are the areas of focus?

SCPI covers all topic areas included under the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

What kind of partnerships does this initiative include?

SCPI includes but is not limited to:

  • South-South Partnerships: Two or more developing countries
  • North-South Partnerships: One or more developing and one or more developed countries
  • Triangular Partnerships: Two or more developing countries and one or more international organizations

How does this initiative work?

The United Nations works with countries to:

  • Network with stakeholders and incubate partnerships in key areas
  • Facilitate policy dialogue and peer learning, as well as bridge interests of cooperation
  • Engage in Advocacy and outreach activities
  • Accelerate access to technical solutions and innovation

United Nations also plans to:

  • Develop a global landscaping report on south-south and triangular cooperation in selected priority areas.
  • Further consult with a wide group of stakeholders particularly with member states, relevant UN Agencies, and the development partners from the Global South, as well as the wider community such as civil society groups.

Who is in charge of this initiative?

The Initiative is jointly implemented by the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) and the United Nations Office of South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC).

The UN expresses sincere appreciation to the Government of People’s Republic of China for the initial funding for SCPI, as well as to other stakeholders for their contributions.

Additional contributions are welcome and encouraged from other sources including Member States, private sector, civil society organizations, etc.

How can I get involved?

Contact: scpi@un.org

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