South Centre (organization)
Intergovernmental organisation of developing nations
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
South Centre is an intergovernmental organisation of developing nations, established by an intergovernmental agreement (treaty), which came into force on 31 July 1995, with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. It functions as an independent policy think tank, whilst also holding observer status at the United Nations and other development agencies.
| Formation | 31 July 1995 |
|---|---|
| Type | Intergovernmental organisation |
| Legal status | Treaty |
| Purpose | Economic development for the South |
| Headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland |
Region served | Global South |
| Members | 55 states |
Official language | Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish |
Executive Director | Carlos M. Correa |
Parent organisation | South Commission |
| Affiliations | United Nations |
| Website | southcentre.int |
Creation
The South Centre was created by the South–South cooperation in 1995.
Its predecessor, the South Commission, recognized the need to strengthen South-South cooperation in international affairs. In its report The Challenge to the South, the South Commission emphasized the need for countries of the South to work together at the global level.[1]
Observer status
The South Centre has an observer status in the following forums:
Member states
The Council of Representatives is composed of high-level representatives of the centre's member states. It meets annually, and on an inter-session basis when required, in order to examine the work of the centre and to provide policy and operational guidance. All states signing and ratifying or acceding to the agreement are required to appoint a high-level individual as their representative to the council. This individual should have been recognized for his or her commitment and contribution to the development of the South as well as the promotion of South-South cooperation. The council appoints a nine-member board and elects the centre's chairperson. From its members, the council elects a convenor and a vice-convenor.
As of 2026, the following 55 states have signed, ratified, or acceded to the intergovernmental agreement:[19]
Algeria
Angola
Argentina
Barbados
Benin
Bolivia
Brazil
Burundi
Cabo Verde
Cambodia
China
Colombia
Côte d'Ivoire
Cuba
North Korea
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
Gabon
Ghana
Guyana
Honduras
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Jamaica
Jordan
Liberia
Libya
Malawi
Malaysia
Mali
Mauritius
Micronesia
Morocco
Mozambique
Namibia
Nicaragua
Nigeria
Pakistan
Palestine
Panama
Philippines
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Suriname
Tanzania
Uganda
Venezuela
Vietnam
Zimbabwe
- Former members
Serbia and Montenegro (signed in 1994; ratified in 1996)
Publications
South Bulletin, a regular publication of the South Centre, takes stock of ongoing debates on major global policy challenges and delivers regular flow of analysis and commentary to policymakers in the South.[20]
The South Centre also publishes policy briefs addressing global development issues.[21]
Research papers, published articles, analytical notes and other publications are made available in English, French and Spanish on the South Centre website under "Publications".[22]