Statement by H.E. Mr. Ali BAHREINI before Twenty-Fifth Meeting of Council of Representatives of the South Centre
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Statement
By
H.E. Mr. Ali BAHREINI
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva
Before
Twenty-Fifth Meeting of Council of Representatives of the South Centre
Geneva, 8 May 2025
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بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم
Excellency Mr. Tabo Embaki, Chairman of the Council,
Ambassador Mr. Ajit Kumar, Convenor,
Distinguished Dr. Carlos Corea, Executive Director,
Distinguished Members of the Board,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
It is with great honor and sincere appreciation that I address this esteemed gathering of the 25th Council of Representatives of the South Centre. I wish to commend the South Centre for its unwavering commitment and significant initiatives in championing the voice and priorities of developing countries across multiple global platforms. The South Center activities were well reflected in the report of Doctor Corea, the Executive Director of the Center as well as the Center annual Report of 2024. The Center tireless efforts to advocate for the concerns of the Global South are truly commendable and deeply valued.
During the previous day’s session, we engaged in meaningful deliberations on several crucial matters related to the Center and arrived at some important decisions. In light of these discussions, I would like to offer the following observations:
Mr. Chairman,
Our world is currently confronted by a confluence of escalating crises—geopolitical tensions, climate change, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges are further compounded by rising unilateralism in the form of protectionist tariffs and, most notably, unilateral coercive measures, which undermine the very foundations of sustainable development.
Development hinges on several key enablers—foremost among them: financing. When global resources are increasingly diverted toward military expenditures, the prospect of development finance fades into uncertainty. This is particularly evident in the stagnation of Official Development Assistance (ODA) and other essential funding streams.
Technology transfer is another pillar of development. Yet, when North-South cooperation is conditioned on diluted terms such as "technology transfer on mutually agreed terms"—and more recently, "voluntary technology transfer on mutually agreed terms"—the result is a further erosion of commitment. Similarly, responsible foreign direct investment and capacity-building initiatives are falling short of expectations.
Nevertheless, the South continues to demonstrate its strength. According to UNCTAD, South-South trade has grown significantly, now reaching around $6 trillion, representing nearly 30% of global trade. Key sectors include electronics, machinery, textiles, and agriculture. In parallel, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows between developing economies have surpassed $459 billion, with investments surging in areas such as renewable energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
Mr. Chairman,
These statistics affirm the vital role of South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTrC) in advancing cross-sectoral collaboration among developing countries. In the face of global economic uncertainty, this cooperation must deepen. As of early 2025, developing countries—collectively referred to as the Global South—account for approximately 40% of global exports, a significant leap from 22% in 1964. South-South trade alone now constitutes one-third of all global trade, with continued growth driven by dynamic economies in East and South Asia.
However, the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs) continue to struggle, maintaining only a 1% share of global trade—a figure unchanged for over a decade and far from the SDG target of doubling their share.
Mr. Chairman,
While the Global South has made laudable progress, persistent disparities—particularly for the most vulnerable—must be addressed. During the 15th UNCTAD Ministerial Conference (UNCTAD XV), held from 29 March to 1 April 2025, we reaffirmed the need to enhance South-South cooperation and strengthen support for a transparent, inclusive, rule-based, and development-oriented multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core.
In this context, the Islamic Republic of Iran assigns high importance to the role of the South Centre. We welcome its 2024 Annual Activity Report, which rightly emphasizes areas critical to the Global South—development finance, international trade, unilateral coercive measures, responsible investment, technology transfer, digital transformation, and more.
We firmly believe the South Centre plays a pivotal role in strengthening the capacity of diplomats stationed in Geneva, particularly those engaged in complex negotiations. This essential mandate must be preserved and further reinforced.
Mr. Chairman,
The financial challenges faced by the Centre, as outlined in its financial report, remain a pressing concern for all member states. As Vice-Convenor, I viewed and overviewed the financial report and the scaling up the contribution and urge member states especially those which have less limitations, to bolster the Centre through voluntary contributions and explore innovative funding mechanisms. The ultimate decision on contribution levels rests with national capitals, and we suggest that a decision timeframe ahead of the next Council meeting would allow adequate deliberation.
I would also like to stress the importance of maintaining and enhancing the Centre’s work on Global Economy, Trade, Finance, Investment, Technology transfer, and the implications of unilateral coercive measures. Timely, firsthand analysis from the Centre is invaluable in enabling our negotiators to perform with greater effectiveness particularly on the 4th International Conference on Financing For Development (FFD), in Seville (June –July 2025) in Spain as well as the negotiation process of the 16th Conference of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD 16), going to be held in October 2025 in Vietnam.
Mr. Chairman,
Once again, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the South Centre for its exceptional efforts. I wish the Council every success in its deliberations and remain confident that the outcomes of this session will further empower the South Centre in fulfilling its crucial mission. Let us continue to stand united—our shared strength and solidarity are the keys to overcoming the challenges before us and building a future of prosperity for all.
Thank you.
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