The Permanent Mission of Uganda to the United Nations, in its capacity as chair, organized celebrations to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Group of 77+China at the United Nations in New York.
“We celebrate our sixtieth anniversary at the time of widening financial and technological divide between developed countries and developing countries, persistent inequalities, increasing climate and disaster related risks,” said H.E. Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Uganda. “All these global challenges continue to negatively affect our efforts to achieve our respective national development goals and accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Established in 1964, the G77 is the largest intergovernmental organization of developing countries in the United Nations. Its name is derived from 77 founding members, but its membership has grown significantly to 134.
The theme of the 60th anniversary celebration is 60 years of Contribution of the Group of 77 and China to Global South Coalition in International Development and Politics.
The opening segment was addressed by H.E. Mr. Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda; H.E. Mr. Adonia Ayebare, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Uganda to the United Nations and Chair of G-77 and China; and H.E. Ambassador E. Courtenay Rattray, Chef de Cabinet, representing the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
“The Group of 77 has played a critical role, and advocated for the importance of the South-South cooperation modality within global discussions and Summits at the United Nations and beyond,” said Mr. Samba Thiam, Senior Policy Development Advisor of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation, addressing a panel discussion following the opening. “Born 60 years ago in the struggles of its members for national independence, and against exploitation and oppression, the Group of 77 is the voice of the majority of the world population and its geographical location is home of a considerable share of the global natural resources, some of which play an important role in climate change mitigation.”
“As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the G77, being the largest single negotiating constituency in the UN,” said Mr. Thaim, “Let us also acknowledge and cherish the longstanding partnership between the Group and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation on very strategic workstreams: Perez-Guerrero Trust Fund management; support to the Office Chair of G77; collaboration in the lead up to, and during certain Rio Conventions Conferences of Parties, among others.
As the United Nations system-wide coordinator of South-South cooperation, UNOSSC looks forward to, and stand ready to, continue supporting the Group of 77 in:
“As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the G77, being the largest single negotiating constituency in the UN,” said Mr. Thaim, “Let us also acknowledge and cherish the longstanding partnership between the Group and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation on very strategic workstreams: Perez-Guerrero Trust Fund management; support to the Office Chair of G77; collaboration in the lead up to, and during certain Rio Conventions Conferences of Parties, among others.
As the United Nations system-wide coordinator of South-South cooperation, UNOSSC looks forward to, and stand ready to, continue supporting the Group of 77 in:
- Championing the South-South agenda, by bringing to bear our knowledge management platforms, research networks, and the Inter-Agency Mechanism for South-South and Triangular Cooperation, among others.
- Strengthening its coordination, management and operational mechanisms in line with outcomes of the Havana Summit on STI and Third South Summit; the Pact for the Future and other internationally concluded agreements.
- Positioning the financing of South-South cooperation on a more predictable basis, including through contributions to the important South-South Trust Funds the Group of 77 membership has entrusted UNOSSC to manage on its behalf.
