Paradiplomacy of the global south: Surabaya’s approach to global sustainability challenges (2016-2020)

Abstract

This paper examines the role of paradiplomacy in Surabaya's approach to addressing global sustainability challenges from 2016 to 2020. As a key city in Indonesia, a Global South country, Surabaya illustrates how local governments can leverage international partnerships to address pressing urban and environmental issues. The study highlights how Surabaya's strategic collaborations with cities such as Kitakyushu and Liverpool align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on environmental sustainability and urban development. Despite facing significant socio-economic inequalities and institutional constraints due to Indonesia’s decentralisation laws, Surabaya has utilised paradiplomacy to integrate global standards into local policies effectively. The city’s partnerships have facilitated knowledge exchange and resource mobilisation, aiding in tackling issues like waste management and infrastructure development. This approach demonstrates a shift from traditional state-centric diplomacy to a more nuanced, subnational engagement that empowers cities in the Global South. Through Surabaya’s experiences, the paper provides valuable insights into how other cities with similar challenges can adopt paradiplomatic strategies to enhance their sustainability efforts and contribute to global discussions on sustainable urban development.