At a commemorative event for the 2026 UN Day for South-South Cooperation in Hangzhou last week, the call to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and promote peace was not just spoken, it was worn.

Around 100 participants, including government officials, UN agency representatives and academics, came together not only to discuss South-South cooperation, but also to share practical insights into how countries across the Global South can work together to advance it.

Small accessories. Powerful messages. And a mission with even greater significance.