President Yoweri Museveni voiced concerns at the opening of the G77+China Heads of State Summit on Sunday, emphasizing that the majority of developing nations may fall short of meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the remaining seven years of the agenda.
While addressing the summit, Museveni highlighted challenges hindering progress, including climate disasters, unfair treatment in the global financial industry, and actions by developed countries. He questioned the economic policies that, instead of promoting global prosperity, keep the majority in poverty.
As the Group of 77 (G77) summit chairmanship passed from Cuba to Uganda, Museveni urged collective action by developing countries to ensure that no one is left behind. He stressed the need for human rights issues to be handled objectively, emphasizing that goals cannot be achieved when countries face military occupation.
Addressing the recent sanctions and loan suspension faced by Uganda, Museveni called for International Financial Institutions to provide services to countries without infringing on their sovereignty.
The G77+China Summit began shortly after the conclusion of the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Kampala. The G77, consisting of 135 developing countries, aims to promote collective economic interests and enhance joint negotiating capacity in the United Nations.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commended the summit’s theme, “Leaving no One Behind,” but expressed concern that certain communities were being left behind, facing the lingering effects of COVID-19, disasters, and poor infrastructure. Guterres urged the overhaul of global institutions, including the UN and Bretton Woods Institutions, to address current world challenges.
The Chinese government advocated for reforms in the World Trade Organization to counteract growing trade wars and discrimination. Liu Guozhong, Vice Premier of the State Council of China, stressed the importance of cooperation among developing world organizations like NAM and G77+China to prevent the reversal of globalization.
Table: Key Points at G77+China Summit
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sunday | Museveni expresses concerns on SDGs at G77+China Summit. |
| Uganda assumes G77 summit chairmanship from Cuba. | |
| Guterres calls for global institution overhaul. | |
| Liu Guozhong advocates reforms to prevent globalization reversal. |
