Uganda has officially handed over the presidency of the Group of 77 and China (G77 + China) to Iraq at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Monday, January 13, 2025.
The handover ceremony, attended by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and various member states, marks a pivotal moment for the 134-nation coalition that seeks to amplify the voices of developing countries within the United Nations.
During the event, Adonia Ayebare, Uganda’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, expressed pride in the success of Uganda’s term leading the G77 + China. In his remarks, he acknowledged the immense support from the international community and urged continued cooperation among member states.
“It was an honor and a privilege to hand over the Chairmanship to the Republic of Iraq. I extend my gratitude to all member states and President Yoweri Museveni, for his unwavering guidance during our chairmanship,” he stated.
Secretary-General Guterres, in his speech at the ceremony, congratulated Iraq as a founding member of the G77, noting the historical significance of the moment as the bloc celebrated its 60th anniversary.
He emphasized that the world is currently navigating through unprecedented challenges, including conflicts, climate disasters, and deepening mistrust across nations. “We are living through a period of devastating conflicts…but also one of opportunity to reshape the multilateral system for the better,” Guterres remarked, underscoring the need for collaboration.
China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, congratulated Uganda for a successful tenure and reiterated the critical importance of multilateralism.
He underscored that as conflicts intensify and economic recovery stagnates, G77 and China must come together to address these pressing issues and promote sustainable development.
“True multilateralism must be upheld, with the United Nations playing a central role in fostering a more balanced and inclusive global system,” Fu stated, emphasizing the call for trust-building and cooperation among member nations.
The G77 + China, as the largest coalition within the United Nations, serves as a vital platform for developing nations to collectively address their common challenges and advocate for their interests on the global stage. The handover to Iraq not only symbolizes continuity in leadership but also the commitment of the coalition to uphold its mission amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Uganda had the privilege of assuming the presidency of the G77 + China on January 15, 2024, a period marked by active participation and leadership in international dialogues, culminating in a successful handover to Iraq on Monday.
