South-South & Triangular Cooperation
South-South or Triangular Cooperation is one of the key mechanisms used by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to help its Member States to identify and address development challenges and to make progress on the Sustainable Development Goals through nuclear and related techniques.
Nuclear science and technology can be applied to a wide variety of topics from health and agriculture to water and the environment. In an increasingly global world, challenges often transcend country boundaries. Emerging crises related to climate, food, health and energy are of global concern and can be tackled by working together and sharing knowledge and resources. For instance, through nuclear and related techniques, Member States can improve access to cancer care, help ensure food security, save our ocean and work to monitor and prevent future zoonotic pandemics.
South-South Cooperation at the IAEA is also facilitated by four official regional agreements. Through these agreements, the IAEA’s technical cooperation programme provides access to data, transfer of equipment and builds human capital. Many developing countries have now cultivated expertise that allows for the inclusion of nuclear skills in development solutions. Sharing experiences and lessons learned has contributed to achieving sustainable development in the respective regions.
South-South and Triangular Cooperation play an important role in supporting the exchange of nuclear knowledge and technology and enhancing the impact and sustainability of the IAEA’s contribution to development.