Annan Urges Developing Nations To Use Creativity

On South-South Day, Annan Urges Developing Nations To Fully Use Their Creativity

Marking United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called on developing countries to use every resource at their disposal and to encourage their global diasporas to offer their knowledge and skills to the development of their countries of origin.

“Poverty in the South results in large part from underutilization and misallocation of resources, not from any deficit of creativity or potential,” he said in a message for the Day, whose theme this year - Celebrating the Global South: Diversity and Creativity – seeks to draw attention to the range and depth of talent in the developing world.

“Through sharing ideas, knowledge and skills, developing countries can address these weaknesses and build on their strengths. They can promote economic growth, stimulate job creation and advance their shared development agenda,” he added.

Mr. Annan noted that at September’s UN World Summit, leaders expressed strong support for South-South cooperation. Developing countries have launched the South Fund for Development and Humanitarian Assistance and established the Asian-African Strategic Partnership. In Africa, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) continues its work on good governance and economic development.

“These developments highlight a growing consensus around coordinated action,” he concluded. “On this Day for South-South Cooperation, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a better future for the South, and for all humanity.”

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