The South Centre is an intergovernmental organisation of developing nations, established by an intergovernmental agreement (treaty) which came into force on 31 July 1995. Its headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Centre operates as an independent policy think tank and holds observer status at the United Nations and other development agencies.
Creation
- Originated from the South–South cooperation movement in 1995.
- Preceded by the South Commission, which identified the need to strengthen cooperation among developing countries in global affairs.
- In its report The Challenge to the South, the South Commission called for greater collaboration among countries of the Global South at the international level.
Observer Status
The South Centre holds observer status in various international forums, allowing it to participate in discussions and share policy recommendations without voting rights.
Member States
- The Council of Representatives is composed of high-level representatives from each member state.
Responsibilities of the Council:
- Meets annually and when required.
- Reviews the work of the Centre.
- Provides policy and operational guidance.
- Appoints a nine-member board and elects the Centre's chairperson.
- Elects a convenor and vice-convenor from among its members.
Membership Criteria:
- States must sign and ratify (or accede to) the agreement.
- Each member state appoints a high-level representative recognized for contributions to South–South cooperation and development.
As of 2017:
- 54 states have signed, ratified, or acceded to the agreement.
Former Members
- Colombia – Signed in 1994, ratified in 1997, withdrew in 2007.
- Serbia and Montenegro – Signed in 1994, ratified in 1996.
Publications
- South Bulletin – Regular updates on major global policy challenges with analysis for policymakers in the South.
- Research Papers, Analytical Notes, and Articles – Available in English, French, and Spanish via the South Centre’s official website under Publications.
Media
- South Centre Blog
- The South Centre Digital TV
External Links
- The South Centre Website(https://www.southcentre.int)
- The South Centre Intergovernmental Agreement (Treaty) – PDF(https://www.southcentre.int/treaty)