This policy brief discusses the imperative to accelerate the achievement of SDGs 1, 4, and 16 through international North-South cooperation. It highlights the urgency of systemic transformations, as well as the need to strategically target efforts to address disparities in sustainable development outcomes.

The analysis focuses on a comparative assessment of key SDG indicators – poverty (1), education (4), and peace, justice, and strong institutions (16) – chosen based on alarming numbers of people in poverty and destitution, high illiteracy rates and escalating mistrust in institutions, despite the efforts of multilateralism. The examination of case studies from Argentina, representing Latin America, and Italy, as an example of the European Global North, selected for the historical, cultural, and political ties between the two, serves as a basis for exploring frameworks of cooperation that can be extrapolated to broader North-South collaborations. This comparative approach allows for a nuanced understanding of regional disparities and policy effectiveness. In addition, a thorough analysis of these indicators in the current context is crucial to identify gaps and opportunities. Based on this analysis, two recommendations per SDG will be developed for multi-sectoral and multi-level actions and projects through Latin American-European international cooperation.

The policy brief advocates investment in human capital development and knowledge-sharing mechanisms as essential strategies to ensure equitable progress towards the SDGs. It also highlights the need for the G20 to commit to fostering mechanisms that increase the effectiveness of international cooperation efforts. Emphasis is placed on project viability, institutional capacity building, and the implementation of inclusive human development-oriented public policies with a people-centred approach to maximise the impact of SDG-related interventions.

This approach seeks to transform North-South cooperation into a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development, ensuring that successful strategies can be adapted to different regional contexts. While the case studies from Argentina and Italy provide concrete insights, the aim is to develop globally relevant frameworks that inform and strengthen international collaboration. The ultimate goal is to leverage the influence of the G20 to promote inclusive and context-specific solutions that accelerate SDG implementation while reducing negative spillover effects across regions.