Development co-operation is at a crossroads. Multiple crises, geopolitical shifts, tighter budgets and rising needs are challenging us to reimagine the way partnerships are formed. We need models that are more inclusive, resilient and fit for today’s realities. Triangular co-operation is one such partnership model. It challenges conventional donor-recipient and aid dynamics, builds trust across divides, and leverages and shares financing, knowledge and innovation from diverse partners. It can create powerful platforms for co-creating solutions to global challenges.
The OECD is dedicated to delivering better policies for better lives. Working in partnership with governments, policymakers and citizens, it fosters the co-creation of evidence-based international standards and policy solutions for a range of challenges. Its Development Assistance Committee (DAC) is undertaking an ambitious review of its role in the changing development co-operation landscape. In that context, and in implementing the Seville Commitment, triangular co-operation can play a catalytic and inspirational role in reshaping the dynamics of collaboration.
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), a multilateral development bank with a membership comprised exclusively of the Global South, has supported the socioeconomic development of its 57 member countries for over 50 years, including by facilitating the cross-transfer among them of innovative solutions to tackle their development challenges. Guided by the principles of South-South and triangular co-operation, its homegrown Reverse Linkage mechanism enables IsDB member countries to exchange knowledge, expertise, technology and resources to build up capacities and co-create solutions to promote their autonomous development.
Following the 2023 edition of the Global Perspectives on Triangular Co-operation Report and based on our continuing strong partnership, the OECD and IsDB decided to join forces again on this second edition to respond to the increasing global interest in triangular co-operation. Even as this report was being developed between September 2024 and August 2025, many of the trends and signals of change identified in our foresight scenarios were fast becoming a reality. The key messages of the foresight exercise were also clear: Be ready to change, be flexible, embrace new partnerships and transform the way we have been operating. This report benefits from the inclusion of fresh and dynamic perspectives of private sector partners, bringing in technical expertise and scalable solutions and serving as bridge-builders that expand markets, foster long-term partnerships and accelerate shared development outcomes.
Our hope is that this publication serves not only as a reference for the most recent analysis, trends, thematic discussions and data about the modality but also stimulates debate, inspires a rethinking development co-operation and systemic change and ensures investment in learning about and scaling up triangular co-operation and inclusive partnerships for a more sustainable world.
María del Pilar Garrido Gonzalo,
Director, OECD Development Co-operation Directorate
May Ali Babiker,
Director, Cooperation and Capacity Development Department, Islamic Development Bank