By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Observer
Published on 2024-01-23 06:09:54
President Yoweri Museveni took over the leadership of the Group of 77 (G-77) plus China on Sunday, January 21, succeeding Salvador Valdés Mesa, vice president of the Republic of Cuba. This transition happened during the Third South Summit of G77 countries plus China at Speke Resort Munyonyo, marking a significant moment for Uganda on the global stage. Just two days prior, Museveni began his three-year term as the chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
During his address, President Museveni outlined Uganda’s objectives for its G77 chairmanship, focusing on accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for poverty eradication, intensifying efforts to combat climate change and biodiversity loss, and enhancing international tax cooperation and digital collaboration. He emphasized the importance of unity within the G77 to defend the collective economic interests of its member states at the United Nations, urging adherence to the group’s foundational principles.
Museveni highlighted the challenges posed by the current international economic order and the rising trend of unilateralism, which threatens multilateralism. He stressed the need for unity in demanding global support for developing countries to address issues like poverty, hunger, the digital divide, and climate change.
Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, representing President Xi Jinping, commented on the changing international landscape and the role of South-South cooperation in promoting human societal progress. The G77’s role in the global economy was underscored, with developing countries now accounting for significant portions of world trade and high-tech exports.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concerns about slipping investments in sustainable development and climate action, advocating for reform of financial institutions and frameworks to better reflect contemporary global realities and respond to the needs of developing countries. Guterres also proposed an SDG stimulus of $500 billion a year to provide affordable, long-term finance for sustainable development and climate action in developing countries.
Overall, the G77 meeting emphasized the need for unity, multilateral cooperation, and global support for developing countries to address pressing issues such as poverty, climate change, and economic development. President Museveni’s role as chairman presents a significant opportunity for Uganda to make a meaningful impact on the international stage.
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