Science Diplomacy and COVID-19: Future Perspectives for South-South Cooperation

Area of Science:

• Science and Technology Policy
• International Development Cooperation

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped government, policy, and scientific community interactions, underscoring the significance of South-South Cooperation (SSC).
• Economic, political, and cultural collaboration are essential for developing countries' growth, with science and technology playing an integral role.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of South-South Cooperation (SSC) in fostering technology transfer and resource sharing among developing nations.
• To emphasize the role of science diplomacy in uniting Global South stakeholders for collective action.
• To advocate for integrating international collaboration into science policy for national and global advancement.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the impact of global events on international cooperation frameworks.
• Review of the potential of science and technology as drivers for South-South Cooperation.
• Exploration of science diplomacy as a tool for global challenge mitigation.

Main Results:

• South-South Cooperation (SSC) facilitates the transfer of need-based technologies and promotes mutual sharing of geopolitical insights, resources, and expertise.
• SSC complements North-South cooperation, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Science diplomacy offers an effective platform for Global South stakeholders to address shared challenges.

Conclusions:

• Science and technology are crucial enablers for equitable growth and mutual gains in developing countries through cooperation.
• South-South Cooperation (SSC), enhanced by science diplomacy, is a key strategy for developing nations to achieve sustainable development and tackle global issues.
• Future science policy must embed international collaboration to address national and global imperatives effectively.