No more bullying of nations: G77

GROUP of 77 plus China, commonly known as G77 members, has called for united efforts in the face of multi-faceted global threats, particularly neo-liberalism, conflicts, climate change and global pandemics.

The leaders of the group expressed dissatisfaction at the relations between the Western world and other regions. The current unfair economic order includes the use of sanctions as a weapon to weaken developing countries.

Some G77 members have appeared to have succumbed to pressure from the US and its allies hence the call yesterday to boost South-South cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, sustainable development, climate change, poverty eradication and the digital economy.

The third South Summit of the group of 77 plus China (G77), is being held in Uganda under the theme: “Leaving no one behind”.

In line with the principle of geographical rotation, this Summit is convening in Africa after the second South Summit convened in Doha, Qatar, in 2005. The first South to South Summit took place in Havana, Cuba, in 2000.

Deputy Chief Secretary in the President’s Office and Cabinet Mr George Charamba said this was another meeting where the issue of inclusiveness and equality among the nations is key.

“The summit comes at a time when the world is at the cusp of drastic geopolitical reconfigurations and geoeconomic and technological transformations. It comes as developing countries are calling for inclusiveness and equity in a reformed multilateralism.

“The developed and developing countries are often at loggerheads concerning issues, including redefining the functionalities of key international institutions, cross-border trade, economic sanctions, climate financing and regional conflicts.

“The perils of global governance have intensified in recent years, particularly with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the emerging debt crisis, de-escalating global growth rates and the conflict in Ukraine, which resulted in increased mistrust between the global South and the global North,” said Mr Charamba.

The G77 was established on June 15, 1964, by 77 evolving nations.

— Picture Justin Mutenda President Mnangagwa chats with Vice President Kembo Mohadi at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare on Saturday on his arrival from Democratic Republic of Congo where he witnessed the inauguration of President Felix Tshisekedi who was reelected for a second term. The President went to DRC after attending the Non-Aligned Movement and G77 plus China summits in Uganda.