Secretary-General Affirms Urgency of Group of 77’s Mission during Chairmanship Handover Ceremony
UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a powerful address during the handover ceremony of the chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China in New York. He praised Iraq for its leadership over the past year and welcomed Uruguay as the new chair for 2026. Guterres emphasized the urgent need for multilateral cooperation to address global challenges, including climate change, inequality, and the need for sustainable development. He called for a renewed commitment to international collaboration, highlighting the importance of the Group of 77 and China in advocating for the rights and needs of developing nations.
Praise for Iraq and Welcome to Uruguay
During the ceremony, Guterres commended Iraq for its effective stewardship of the Group of 77 and China, acknowledging the country’s warm hospitality during his recent visit. He expressed gratitude for the successful conclusion of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), attributing this achievement to the dedication of the Iraqi government and its people. Guterres then congratulated Uruguay on assuming the chairmanship for 2026, noting its historical significance as the first welfare state in the world. He described Uruguay as a symbol of peace and social justice, well-positioned to lead the Group of 77 in its ongoing efforts for sustainable development and human rights.
The Urgency of Multilateralism
Guterres highlighted the pressing global issues that the Group of 77 and China must address, including escalating conflicts, growing inequalities, and the impacts of climate change. He pointed out that these challenges are exacerbated by a lack of trust and cooperation among nations. The Secretary-General underscored the necessity of multilateralism, stating that no country can tackle these issues alone. He praised the Group’s unity and strength in promoting global cooperation, referencing successful conferences that have rallied support for the 2030 Agenda. Guterres reiterated that the Group of 77 and China remains essential in advocating for fairness and justice in international finance, climate action, and representation.
Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals
Guterres called for a renewed commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the urgency as the 2030 deadline approaches. He noted the vast financing gap that persists, which hampers investments in critical areas such as health, education, and job creation. The Secretary-General advocated for a transformation of the international financial architecture, proposing measures to enhance the lending capacity of multilateral development banks and to attract private capital. He stressed the need for innovative solutions to alleviate debt burdens and to ensure that developing countries have a greater voice in international financial institutions. Guterres also highlighted the importance of addressing climate change with immediate and significant action, urging countries to adopt ambitious climate plans and to prioritize climate justice.
Advancing Digital Inclusion and Strengthening the UN
In his remarks, Guterres emphasized the need to ensure that the digital age promotes inclusion rather than exacerbating inequality. He announced the operationalization of the Independent Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, which aims to guide policy with scientific insights. The Secretary-General called for a Global Fund for AI Capacity Development to help all countries benefit from advancements in technology. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of strengthening the United Nations to meet rising global expectations. The UN80 Initiative aims to enhance the organization’s effectiveness and equity, particularly in supporting developing countries. Guterres concluded by reaffirming his commitment to standing with the Group of 77 and China in their pursuit of justice, equity, and international cooperation.
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