G77 and China’s New Leadership: A Call for Justice
In a significant ceremony held in New York, UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered remarks during the handover of the chairmanship of the “Group of 77” (G77) and China. This transition marks a pivotal moment for the group, which represents developing countries and seeks to address pressing global issues. Guterres commended Uganda for its leadership over the past year and congratulated Iraq as it takes on the chairmanship for 2025. The Secretary-General emphasized the importance of the G77’s mission, particularly in light of the challenges facing developing nations today.
Uganda’s Leadership and Iraq’s New Role
Uganda has played a crucial role in guiding the G77 and China over the past year. Under its stewardship, the group has focused on advocating for the rights and needs of developing countries. Guterres acknowledged Uganda’s efforts and highlighted the importance of the G77 as a voice for justice. As Iraq assumes the chairmanship, it brings a historical perspective as a founding member of the G77, established 60 years ago.
Iraq’s leadership is expected to accelerate support for developing nations, especially as the deadline for the 2030 Agenda approaches. Guterres welcomed Iraq’s commitment to championing equality, poverty eradication, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Secretary-General underscored the need for the G77 to continue being a source of innovative ideas to revitalize key UN bodies and to uphold the principles of multilateralism. The challenges faced by developing countries are immense, and the G77’s leadership is crucial in navigating these turbulent waters.
The Current Global Landscape
The world is currently grappling with a myriad of crises, including conflicts, climate disasters, and a widening digital divide. From Gaza to Ukraine, violence and instability have become commonplace. Developing countries are often the hardest hit by these crises, facing deadly heatwaves, droughts, and rising sea levels. Guterres pointed out that these challenges threaten the very fabric of the Sustainable Development Goals and the futures of millions.
Moreover, the Secretary-General highlighted the deep-seated mistrust and divisions that have emerged globally. The impacts of historical injustices, such as colonialism and resource exploitation, continue to reverberate today. The multilateral systems established post-1945 have struggled to adequately support developing nations. Guterres emphasized the need for reform in global governance structures to ensure that the voices of developing countries are heard and respected in decision-making processes.
A Call to Action for 2025 and Beyond
As Iraq takes the helm of the G77, Guterres called for a renewed commitment to the promises made at the recent Summit of the Future. The Pact for the Future, along with the Global Digital Compact, represents a collective effort to reshape a multilateral system that serves all nations. The Secretary-General urged the G77 to push for maximum ambition and justice, particularly in addressing the pressing issues of poverty, climate change, and equitable access to resources.
Looking ahead to 2025, Guterres stressed the importance of keeping promises to developing countries. This includes intensifying efforts to achieve the SDGs, providing access to financial resources, and ensuring that multilateral development banks are equipped to support nations in need. He also emphasized the necessity of addressing climate change, urging developed countries to fulfill their financial commitments and support adaptation efforts in vulnerable regions.
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