It is an online platform, which provides:

• information about Southern countries’ expertise and institutions in the realm of food security and agriculture;
• a starting point through which countries can engage FAO to facilitate SSC;
• an overview of FAO-facilitated SSC initiatives.

Either the institution’s focal point can be contacted directly or FAO engaged to facilitate the contact.

Southern countries interested in showcasing their public institutions and expertise in the areas of agriculture and food security are encouraged to contact  FAO ([email protected]). A limited number of institutions should be proposed by the government to the local FAO Representation. Initially, FAO aims to showcase public institutions. More information on how to engage can be found here.

No, the Gateway is a service offered by FAO to member countries and participation does not imply any financial commitment. It is purely an information platform.

For any collaboration that results between countries and institutions through connections made via the SSC Gateway, financing will have to be sought. Collaboration may occur on a bilateral basis, or through involving FAO as a facilitator of SSC. If an official request is made by the country to involve FAO in SSC, funds for collaboration would be negotiated from: the provider country, host country, and/or a triangular partner.

Yes they can, but specific technical departments/directorates should be highlighted, as the Gateway is designed to network technical expertise.

Initially, FAO aims to showcase public institutions; however, it is foreseen that the Gateway will beexpanded to include non-State actors.

Triangular Partners are often vital to SSC, providing finance to enable the exchange to happen and also complementary technical expertise. Interested parties can contact FAO ([email protected]).

The FAO South-South Cooperation Gateway Prototype is designed purely for information exchange. Institutions are put forward by governments and FAO is not responsible for the accuracy of the information provided, nor does it endorse or accredit the institutions showcased.

Yes, it is up to the institution to decide and include them under their institutional profile.

A number of institutions, such as those from China, have been accredited by FAO as ‘FAO Reference Centres/Laboratories’.

This is a structured process following the principles and criteria outlined in the Director-General’s bulletin No. 2006/32.

Throughout the process, member countries can engage FAO to facilitate SSC. Following an official request to the FAO Representation, the Organization can help make the match and facilitate the SSC exchange.