Uganda took the reins of the G77+China alliance yesterday, grappling with the challenge of steering the largest inter-governmental UN organization through a tumultuous era. Established 59 years ago with 77 founding members, the G77 has expanded to 134 nations, with the primary mission of advancing collective economic interests. President Museveni, who inherited the chairmanship from Cuba’s Vice President Salvador Valdés during the Third South Summit in Kampala, now faces a demanding agenda.
The Third South Summit’s Rocky Start
The Third South Summit, themed “Leaving No One Behind,” unfolded in Kampala from January 18 to 22. The summit, the first held in Africa since 2004, addressed social crises spanning poverty, climate change, trade, and investments. President Museveni, in sync with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, emphasized the imperative for international financial institutions to aid developing nations without impinging on their sovereignty.
Originally comprising 77 nations, the G77 has grown but remains dogged by challenges. China, though not a full member, holds observer status. Uganda’s chairmanship arrives amidst global geopolitical tensions, conflicts, and the specter of climate change hindering development. The Kampala authorities find themselves navigating the quagmire of financial dynamics, where the influence of northern nations on lending institutions complicates matters.
During the summit, Antonio Guterres underscored the need to revamp financial institutions established post-World War II. He urged developing nations to assert their rights on the international stage, advocating for reforms in institutions like the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund. The call for change resonated as Uganda assumed the helm of the G77+ alliance.
President Museveni outlined Uganda’s priorities as they assume the G77 chairmanship. Under the banner of “leaving no one behind,” he stressed the necessity of addressing challenges faced by countries in special situations, least developed nations, conflict-ridden countries, and those under foreign occupation. He called for targeted international support and urgent reform of the financial architecture to meet the needs of developing countries.
In his address, Museveni acknowledged the opportune timing of Uganda’s chairmanship during its 60th anniversary. He emphasized the nation’s commitment to multilateralism as a fundamental mechanism for addressing common challenges. Striving to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and strengthen digital cooperation, Uganda faces a challenging year at the helm of the G77+China alliance.
