The world is marked by multiple crises and challenges that transcend borders and require
not only local but global solutions. Only by working together and bridging divides
and differences can countries address these challenges and drive a sustainable development
future for all. This report by the OECD and the Islamic Development Bank demonstrates
triangular co-operation’s relevance for delivering progress on sustainable development.
In particular, it stresses its innovative approach to diplomacy, and its ability to
bring together different stakeholders from across the global south and north in trusting
partnerships that leverage the expertise, knowledge and resources of all partners.
The report also examines the current global trends in the use of triangular co-operation,
explores how to strengthen national ecosystems to support its effective delivery,
and highlights how triangular co-operation can contribute to addressing climate change
and biodiversity loss, with a specific focus on small island developing states.
A growing and diverse set of partners engage in triangular co-operation, but there is room to scale it up. The largest share of triangular co-operation is with partners in the Latin America and the Caribbean region. There has been a rise in its use with partners in sub-Saharan Africa and the Asia-Pacific region since 2018. The volume of funding disbursed through triangular co-operation has also increased but remains relatively low compared to other development finance flows.