New York, US | The Permanent Mission of Uganda to the United Nations organized celebrations on Friday to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Group of 77 (G77) plus China. This event took place at the UN headquarters in New York, highlighting Uganda's role as the chair of the group for 2024.
During the celebrations, Uganda's Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, praised the G77 and China for their commitment to the group’s objectives. He emphasized the significance of the anniversary, noting the ongoing challenges such as the widening financial and technological divide, persistent inequalities, and climate-related risks that hinder the development goals of member countries.
Established in 1964, the G77 is the largest intergovernmental organization of developing countries in the UN, originally comprising 77 founding members, now expanded to 134. Bagiire underscored the group’s role in advocating for the needs of developing countries and highlighted the chosen theme for the anniversary: “60 Years of Contribution of the Group of 77 and China to Global South Coalition in International Development and Politics.”
The event featured a formal gathering that included a video presentation on the group's milestones, panel discussions, and remarks from various member states. Key speakers included Amb. Adonia Ayebare and Yang, President of the UN General Assembly, as well as representatives from the UN Secretary-General’s office.
The celebrations concluded with a festive dinner showcasing Ugandan cuisine and cultural performances, celebrating the rich heritage and unity of the G77 member states.
