At the second High-Level Conference of Middle-Income Countries, a panel discussion on strengthening global and regional South-South Cooperation highlighted the challenge of sustaining transregional cooperation platforms. Drawing on the experiences of the Asia-Pacific and Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) regions provides valuable lessons in practical, targeted interregional collaboration that other regions can emulate.
A key strength of these regions is their shared vision for global development. Most countries in Asia-Pacific and LAC are middle-income or high-income economies, with middle-income countries playing dual roles as both recipients and providers of technical assistance. This enables them to foster multilateral cooperation and development partnerships. Agencies like the Thailand International Cooperation Agency maintain active partnerships with countries across Latin America, while both regions host the highest number of Small Island Developing States, benefiting significantly from knowledge-sharing and regional solidarity.
Both regions also have “champion countries” driving South-South Cooperation (SSC). Indonesia initiated the Emerging Development Partners (EDP) Network in 2024, establishing a strategic vision and capacity development agenda for peer collaboration. Co-hosting initiatives, such as the 2025 EDP meeting in Colombia, demonstrated co-ownership and a shared emphasis on cross-regional learning, with participation from countries in Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
Strong traditions in SSC underpin these efforts. Historical milestones like the 1955 Bandung Conference in Asia-Pacific and the 1989 Buenos Aires Action Plan in LAC laid the foundation for technical cooperation among developing countries. Follow-up initiatives, such as BAPA+40, reaffirmed the value of SSC and triangular cooperation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Both regions maintain active intergovernmental mechanisms, including ASEAN, SAARC, CARICOM, CELAC, and the UN regional commission ESCAP, as well as dedicated forums such as the annual Asia-Pacific Directors General Forum for South-South and Triangular Cooperation and the Regional Conference on South-South Cooperation organized by ECLAC.
Interregional platforms have further strengthened collaboration between Asia-Pacific and LAC countries. APEC, founded in 1989, was the first body to bring together nations from both regions, focusing on trade, digital innovation, and sustainable growth. FEALAC, established in 1998, facilitates cooperation across economic, social, cultural, and environmental issues for its 36 member states, with support from the joint FEALAC Trust Fund managed by ECLAC and ESCAP. Projects under these initiatives address value chain development, reducing inequality, MSME support, digital trade, and critical minerals.
The experiences of Asia-Pacific and LAC illustrate how South-South and triangular cooperation can be sustained through shared vision, champion countries, historical institutional frameworks, and interregional platforms. These proven models offer practical lessons for countries seeking to collaborate strategically, accelerate sustainable development, and strengthen transregional cooperation worldwide.
