South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the interests of developing countries through strengthened engagement with the South Centre, following a high-level meeting between H.E. Ambassador Zaheer Laher, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva, and Dr. Carlos M. Correa, Executive Director of the South Centre.
The meeting focused on ongoing international negotiating processes that are of critical importance to developing countries, while also exploring opportunities to deepen cooperation between South Africa’s Permanent Mission in Geneva and the South Centre.
The engagement reflects South Africa’s longstanding commitment to multilateralism, international solidarity, and promoting a rules-based global system that addresses the development priorities of countries in the Global South.
Strengthening the Voice of Developing Countries
As one of Africa’s leading voices in multilateral diplomacy, South Africa continues to play an active role in negotiations taking place in Geneva, which hosts several key international organisations including the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Human Rights Council (HRC), and numerous specialised agencies.
Discussions between Ambassador Laher and Dr. Correa centred on international negotiating processes that have significant implications for developing nations, including areas relating to sustainable development, trade, public health, technology, intellectual property, climate policy, and global economic governance.
The meeting also explored avenues for enhanced collaboration with the South Centre in supporting policy research, technical expertise, and coordinated positions on issues affecting developing countries.
The Role of the South Centre
The South Centre is an intergovernmental policy research organisation based in Geneva that works to support developing countries in international negotiations. Established through the South Commission, chaired by the late Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere, the organisation provides independent analysis, legal expertise, and policy advice to member states across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Its work spans international trade, finance, sustainable development, climate change, health, investment, taxation, digital governance, intellectual property, and South-South cooperation, helping governments strengthen their negotiating capacity in global forums.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Dr. Carlos M. Correa, the South Centre continues to serve as an important platform for developing countries seeking equitable and inclusive international policies.
South Africa’s Commitment to Multilateral Diplomacy
South Africa has consistently advocated for greater equity within global governance institutions and remains a strong proponent of South-South cooperation. Through its Permanent Mission in Geneva, the country actively participates in negotiations that influence international standards, trade rules, public health frameworks, and human rights mechanisms.
The meeting with the South Centre highlights the importance of strategic partnerships that enhance developing countries’ ability to participate effectively in complex multilateral negotiations while promoting shared development objectives.
As geopolitical and economic challenges continue to evolve, collaboration between governments and institutions such as the South Centre remains essential in ensuring that the perspectives and interests of developing countries are adequately represented in international decision-making processes.
