Uganda’s presidency of G77
process at international forums at the time when the world is facing multiple crises. This new development will position the country as a major participant in the key decision-making process on international forums.”
Ayebare also confirmed that Uganda will be hosting the 19th Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) and Third South Summit in Kampala next year, something he said is worth being proud of.
What is G77+China?
G77+China is the largest intergovernmental organisation of developing countries in the UN, which provides the means for the countries of the Global South to articulate and promote their collective economic interests and enhance their joint negotiating capacity on all major international economic issues within the UN system, as well as promote South-South cooperation for development.
The current coalition of 135 developing countries (including China) was founded by 77 developing countries who were signatories of the “Joint Declaration of the 77 Developing Countries,” issued at the end of the first session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva in 1964.
The group was credited with a common stance against apartheid and for supporting global disarmament.
Cuba was the past chair and has handed over the mantle to Uganda.
The annual G77 meeting is convened at the start of regular meetings of the UN General Assembly. This year’s General Assembly attracted a large number of countries from both the Global North and South.
Jeje Odongo, Uganda’s foreign minister, reiterated that Uganda’s chairing of G77+China will bring the country closer to China, which will lead to more trade between the two countries.
Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Alupo urged Ugandans to use the period of its presidency of G77+China to consolidate relationships with member countries and acquire expertise from China, especially in agriculture.
China’s role in G77+China
Generally, China is not a member of the G77, but it identifies with the member countries and supports them in many ways.
The G77 countries recognise China as their major partner and supporter. The Chinese Government provides consistent political support to the G77 and has made financial contributions to the group since 1994. As a result, because of China’s support, official G77 statements are delivered in the name of the Group of 77 and China or G77+China.
It is because of that relationship that China has supported many African countries in their development programmes. According to the Institute of Developing Economies, China is presently involved in infrastructure projects in 35 African countries. A concentration of projects are found in Angola, Nigeria and Sudan. However, China is planning a new range of projects in other countries, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Days after Uganda was elected to chair G77+China, its relationship with China seemed to receive a major boost.
On 29 September, according to Uganda’s New Vision newspaper, China announced that it would support Uganda for the construction of the East Africa oil pipeline. Irene Bateebe, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, said in a media interview, “We have obtained the assurance of China’s participation in the project.”
Wang Chenxu, first secretary of the Chinese Embassy in Uganda, confirmed knowledge of the project’s finance.
Meanwhile, Augustus Nuwagaba, international consultant on economic transformation, said that what China is doing for Uganda, especially as far as supporting the construction of the oil pipeline is concerned. He said Uganda should access funding from partners, not aid, and that is what China is doing.
“Uganda is a developing country and it is open to financial partnerships, which China is fulfilling. Our relationship with China is not new, but with G77+China it will be even stronger. We have been partners for a long time. China’s open policy to countries, such as Uganda, is good. As a country, we are enjoying a trade relationship with China,” said Nuwagaba.
Meanwhile, First Deputy Prime Minister Kadaga acknowledged China’s contribution to Uganda’s development, as well as China’s contribution to global governance through initiatives like the Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative.
In an article penned for New Vision, Fan from the Chinese embassy said that China will remain an important opportunity for the world’s peace and development, and will work together with the rest of the international community to uphold true multilateralism, achieve universal security and common prosperity in the world and steer the giant ship of human development to a brighter future.
G77+China is the largest intergovernmental organisation of developing countries in the United Nations, which provides the means for the countries of the Global South to articulate and promote their collective economic interests and enhance their joint negotiating capacity on all major international economic issues within the United Nations system.
With an outstanding daily capacity of supplying 150,000 cubic metres, China recently built the Yato Drinking Water Treatment Plant to increase water supply capacity of the city of Douala. Can you provide us additional information about this project and how it will affect Douala?
In fact, this project has significantly raised the standard of living for those who live in Douala, our economic centre. The city’s water supply has significantly changed as a result of China’s tremendous assistance, which includes financing in the amount of $50 million and the technical teams’ knowledge. The Yato water treatment facility, which is situated on the Mungo River, now has a daily capacity of treating 160,000 cubic metres, up from 100,000 cubic metres. Additionally, the distribution network has been extended by more than 95 km, and the storage reservoirs have been enhanced by 17,000 cubic metres. The construction of new pipelines to provide purified water to various regions was one of the project’s highlights. One of the project’s most impressive accomplishments is the 450-metre pipe bridge across the Wouri River, which is visible when travelling on the bridge connecting Douala and Bonabéri.
What do you think of China’s promise to help the Cameroonian government to provide access to clean water for its citizens?
China has always maintained a significant presence in our nation, making contributions to several development initiatives that go far beyond the provision of drinking water. We are not surprised by China’s commitment to the water industry because it is consistent with its