South Centre (organization) facts for kids

The South Centre is a special group for developing countries. It's an intergovernmental organisation, which means it was created by an agreement (called a treaty) between different governments. It officially started on July 31, 1995, and its main office is in Geneva, Switzerland.

The South Centre works like an independent group that studies important global issues and suggests ideas. This kind of group is often called a "think tank." It also has a special "observer status" at the United Nations and other big organizations that help with development. This means it can attend meetings and share its views, even though it's not a full member of those organizations.

Why the South Centre Was Created

The South Centre was formed in 1995 to help countries in the "Global South" work together. The Global South usually refers to countries in Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia that are still developing.

Before the South Centre, there was a group called the South Commission. This commission realized that countries in the South needed to cooperate more on a global level. They wrote a report called The Challenge to the South. This report highlighted how important it was for these countries to team up and support each other. The South Centre was then created to continue this important work.

Watching and Learning: Observer Status

The South Centre has a special "observer status" at many important international meetings and organizations. This allows them to listen, learn, and sometimes speak up for the interests of developing countries. It's like being able to sit in on a class even if you're not officially enrolled.

Here are some of the organizations where the South Centre has observer status:

Who Are the Members?

Member States of the South Centre

The South Centre has a group called the Council of Representatives. This council is made up of important people from each of the member countries. They meet every year to check on the South Centre's work and give advice on its goals and activities.

Every country that joins the South Centre must choose a high-level person to represent them on this council. This person should be known for their dedication to helping the South develop and promoting cooperation among these countries. The council also chooses a nine-member board and elects the chairperson of the South Centre.

As of 2017, 54 countries have officially joined the South Centre by signing or agreeing to the intergovernmental agreement.

Some countries have been members in the past but are no longer part of the South Centre:

•  Colombia (joined in 1994, left in 2007)
•  Serbia and Montenegro (joined in 1994, left in 1996)

More Information

• South Centre Blog
• The South Centre Digital TV