SSE: South-South and triangular cooperation

South-South and triangular cooperation (SSTC) facilitates the sharing of knowledge, resources, and good practices among countries in the Global South, with the potential support of partners from the North, through triangular cooperation. In the context of the social and solidarity economy (SSE), SSTC can play a significant role in promoting sustainable development, social inclusion, and economic empowerment. It supports SSE entities in accessing new markets, technologies, and financing mechanisms, fostering innovation and enhancing their impact. Above all, SSTC and SSE share the common principle of mutual benefit and solidarity. 

SSTC on the SSE encourages the exchange of successful models and experiences among developing countries, adapting them to local contexts to address specific social and economic challenges. It supports capacity building for SSE entities, enhances policy dialogue, and strengthens networks and partnerships. SSTC also promotes the integration of the SSE into regional and global supply chains, enhancing its contributions to sustainable development goals.

The ILO supports SSTC on the SSE through its research, knowledge management, capacity development and development cooperation activities. It facilitates platforms for exchange among SSE stakeholders across countries, fostering partnerships that enhance the SSE's role in sustainable development. For instance, the ILO's SSE Academy serves as a hub for learning and exchange on SSE practices worldwide, including those emerging from SSTC initiatives. The allocation of ILO programme and budget for SSTC has supported ten SSE academies worldwide. Additionally, the ILO collaborates with regional and international organizations to mainstream SSTC in SSE policies and programmes, leveraging the SSE for sustainable development.