SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION AND THE ROLE OF LATIN AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

  South-South cooperation (SSC) is considered an alternative to the subordination relations of the Global South to the Global North, a fact established due to the colonization process that the nations of the South experienced in the past. Countries in Latin America, as well as in Africa and Asia, therefore, share similar experiences and still suffer the consequences of this period. It is still possible to observe the dependence of these countries in economic and scientific matters. SSC emerged seeking to promote collaboration between these countries, with the aim of strengthening their economies, societies and institutions. In Latin America, universities are crucial in this process, given that they act as agents for disseminating knowledge, as promoters of technical capabilities and, above all, as promoters of regional development. It is through academic exchanges and the sharing of technologies and skills that these institutions enable collaborative approaches focused on local realities. Although SSC has many contributions and advantages, its implementation faces tough barriers, such as lack of investment, bureaucracy and the strong historical context of colonization. To overcome these difficulties, actions such as the creation and strengthening of academic networks, the expansion of academic mobility and the mutual effort to value regional knowledge stand out. This article seeks to analyze the cooperative role of Latin American universities and proposes reflections on the future of CSS, and ways to consolidate the independent and supportive educational approach proposed by this type of cooperation.