Uganda’s recent election as the pro tempore President of the G77 (Group of 77) plus China marks a significant diplomatic achievement on the global stage. This announcement was made by Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Uganda to the UN, Adonia Ayebare.
The election occurred during the working session of the 47th meeting of foreign affairs ministers, presided over by Cuba. This meeting is a crucial event that takes place at the outset of the regular session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
The Group of 77 is an intergovernmental organization consisting of developing countries within the UN. It provides a platform for nations from the Global South to voice and advance their collective economic interests, enhance their collective bargaining power on major international economic issues within the UN system, and foster cooperation among these nations for mutual development.
Ambassador Ayebare emphasized Uganda’s pivotal role as the group’s chair, stating, “Uganda will play a key role in the decision-making process at international forums during a time when the world faces multiple crises.”
The G77+China, representing roughly 80% of the world’s population, made a resounding call on September 15, 2023, to “alter the rules of the game” regarding the global order. This appeal was made during a summit held in Havana, Cuba.
The summit convened amid increasing frustration with the Western-dominated world order, as differences grew over critical issues such as the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the battle against climate change, and the global economic system.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel stressed the need for change, stating, “After all this time that the North has organized the world according to its interests, it is now up to the South to change the rules of the game,” as reported by AFP.
The Group of 77 was established on June 15, 1964, by 77 developing countries that were signatories to the “Joint Declaration of the Seventy-Seven Developing Countries.” This declaration was issued at the conclusion of the first session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva.
Over time, the group has expanded its membership and now includes 134 countries plus China. Member countries encompass Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DR Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Libya, and many others.
Uganda’s presidency of the G77+China offers an opportunity for the country to exert influence over critical global discussions and policies, particularly during a period of unparalleled challenges and transformations on the international stage.
