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HAVANA. — The two-day Summit of the Group of 77 (G77) and China concluded on Saturday with a call for more participation and say of the Global South in the global governance system.

The event was attended by delegations from more than 100 countries, including over 30 heads of state and government.

First established in 1964, G77 now has over 130 members, with its chairmanship rotating among member countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America based on regional principles.

Being the largest multilateral coordination organisation among developing countries, G77’s member states account for more than 80 percent of the world’s population and over two-thirds of UN member countries.

China is not a member but has been supporting and cooperating with the group under the framework of “G77 and China.”

STRONGER VOICE FOR GLOBAL SOUTH

Highlighting the challenges faced by countries in the Global South, the summit underscored the need for a more balanced international order with greater attention to the Global South nations.

Speaking at the summit’s opening ceremony, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the voice of the Group of 77 and China will always be essential for the UN system.

Terming the group “a champion of multilateralism,” Guterres called on G77 and China to “champion a system rooted in equality; champion a system ready to reverse the injustice and neglect of centuries; and champion a system that delivers for all humanity and not for the privileged.”

Cuban expert Ramon Pichs said that the G77 and China Havana Summit played an important role in advancing the global agenda including addressing the threat of climate change.

“For developing countries, for G77 and China and Cuba, the moment to act regarding climate change is now,” the expert said, adding this is a huge challenge for the development of all nations. In the final declaration of the meeting, the delegates urged international institutions to make additional efforts to support nations in the Global South in such areas as science, technology and innovation.

The summit will help boost the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, noted Francisco Pichon, UN resident coordinator in Havana.

“A reform to the international financial system, climate change and its funding as well as multilateralism agenda are paramount priorities for the United Nations,” he said, in response to calls for more representation and a stronger voice of the Global South in the international governance system.

“The unity and activism of G77 and China in international forums and debates are fundamental to advancing the legitimate aspirations of our peoples,” the Cuban daily newspaper Granma said.

CHINA’S CONTRIBUTION

Since the 1990s, with more Chinese involvement under the framework of “G77 and China,” the organisation has been playing a more relevant role in the international arena. — Xinhua