Progress report on the recommendations contained in the review of South-South and triangular cooperation in the United Nations System (JIU/REP/2018/3)

As requested by the General Assembly, the Joint Inspection Unit conducted a review of progress made on the implementation of the 12 recommendations contained in the 2011 JIU report on South-South and triangular cooperation in the United Nations system (JIU/REP/2011/3). Since 2011 notable progress has been made. A system-wide policy framework and definitions of South-South and triangular cooperation (SSTC) have been provided. The majority of United Nations entities covered by this review have established dedicated SSTC units or focal points at their headquarters. Measures to improve coherence, coordination and reporting on SSTC within the United Nations system have been implemented. Half of the entities covered by this review have achieved the targeted allocation of core budget and extrabudgetary resources for SSTC initiatives; nevertheless, inadequate resources have been a major stumbling block in advancing support for SSTC.

In terms of governance, in order to further improve the functioning of the High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation, consultations with member States should be pursued with a view to updating its rules of procedure and improving the inclusiveness and working arrangements of the Committee. Measures to further strengthen the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) have been implemented. Reports produced by UNOSSC for the General Assembly and the High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation could be streamlined in order to further enhance the efficiency of UNOSSC.