Breakthrough statement endorses development co-operation among developing countries

A landmark statement for international development brought South-South Co-operation (SSC) – development assistance provided by developing countries – fully into international efforts for more effective development co-operation and results.

During a High-Level Event on South-South Co-operation and Capacity Development on 24-26 March 2010 in Bogotá, Colombia, ministers at the highest level endorsed the Bogotá Statement Towards Effective and Inclusive Development Partnerships.

Based on over 110 case stories of SSC and aid effectiveness, the Bogotá Statement reflects a breakthrough agreement in areas like greater transparency for South-South Co-operation and strengthened mechanisms for peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and exchange. 

The event – opened by President Alvaro Uribe of Colombia – included some 500 high-level representatives from more than 130 developed and developing countries, multilateral and regional organisations, civil society and parliamentarians. It was held as part of the aid effectiveness agenda, and the process leading up to the 4th High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness in late 2011 in Korea.

The event was based on the work of the Task Team on South-South Co-operation – part of the OECD/DAC-hosted Working Party on Aid Effectiveness.

More information on the High Level Event is available at http://bogotahle.info.