The South Center is the intergovernmental organization (IGO) of developing countries that helps developing countries join forces and expertise to defend their common interests on the international scene.

The South Centre, which is a think tank, is characterized by its intellectual independence. It has observer status at the United Nations and other international organizations.

The South Center pursues several objectives that are described in the Agreement establishing the South Center1. The South Center is guided by two principles in fulfilling its mission: Southern unity in diversity and Southern progress through cooperation.

The South Centre conducts research and analysis focused on international policies that are fundamental to protecting and enhancing the interests of developing countries.

The South Center helps Southern countries develop common views and work collaboratively on major international development issues.

The South Centre works in many areas such as development policy, sustainable development, climate change, global governance, economic and social development, South-South cooperation, conditions of the global economy, intellectual property, technology transfer, access to knowledge, health, regional and multilateral trade and food security.

The South Centre has 51 developing country Members representing the three regions of Africa, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean.

The South Centre was established by the Agreement Establishing the South Centre, which entered into force on 31 July 1995. It is based in Geneva.