The Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) is an autonomous policy research institute based in New Delhi, India, that has emerged as a major initiative in the realm of South-South Cooperation (SSC). Established with the mandate to provide analytical support to developing countries on international economic issues, RIS plays a crucial role in strengthening the intellectual and policy foundations of SSC.

RIS's significance in South-South Cooperation stems from its multifaceted contributions:

Firstly, it serves as a vital think tank, conducting in-depth policy research and analysis on a wide range of international economic issues relevant to developing countries. This includes trade, investment, technology transfer, climate change, sustainable development, and global governance. By generating evidence-based research, RIS helps developing countries formulate informed positions and strategies in multilateral forums like the WTO, UN, and G20.

Secondly, RIS acts as a knowledge hub, disseminating its research findings through publications, policy briefs, and digital platforms. This ensures that policymakers, academics, and civil society organizations in the Global South have access to high-quality, relevant information and alternative perspectives that often challenge dominant narratives from developed countries.

Thirdly, RIS actively promotes capacity building among developing countries. It organizes training programs, workshops, and seminars for officials, diplomats, and researchers from various developing nations, enhancing their understanding of complex global economic issues and strengthening their negotiating skills. This direct investment in human capital is a hallmark of effective SSC.

Fourthly, RIS facilitates networking and dialogue among developing countries. It provides platforms for policymakers, experts, and stakeholders from the Global South to exchange ideas, share experiences, and coordinate strategies. This fosters a sense of collective identity and solidarity, which is essential for effective SSC.

Fifthly, RIS plays a crucial advocacy role, articulating and promoting the common interests and concerns of developing countries in global economic governance. By providing intellectual ammunition and a unified voice, it helps shape the international agenda in a more equitable and inclusive manner.

Finally, RIS often serves as the secretariat or intellectual backbone for various South-South initiatives and groupings, such as the G-77, IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa), and BRICS academic forums. This institutional support is critical for the sustained functioning and effectiveness of these cooperative mechanisms.

In essence, RIS is a major initiative because it provides the intellectual and analytical infrastructure necessary for robust South-South Cooperation. It empowers developing countries with knowledge, strengthens their collective bargaining power, and fosters a shared vision for a more just and equitable global economic order, thereby embodying the principles of collective self-reliance and mutual benefit.