The Group of 77 and China (Geneva Chapter)
Statement by the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
60th Years Anniversary Commemoration of the Group
13 September 2024
Ambassador Suon Prasith President, Excellencies and colleagues,
We express condolences on the passing away of Her Excellency Ana Cecilia Gervasi Diaz, Ambassador of Peru.
Mr President,
Sri Lanka joins the statement delivered by Bangladesh on behalf of the Asia Pacific group.
The global South is confronting unprecedented challenges including the after effects of the pandemic, climate change, food, energy crises and the global debt crisis, which threaten the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Group of 77 (G77) this year, the Group's core values enshrined in the Charter of Algiers adopted in 1964, of unity, complementarity, cooperation, and solidarity provide a strong foundation for us to work towards overcoming these challenges in a sustainable way.
The Group of 77 and UNCTAD were not only born together but they were part of the same endeavor. The membership of G77 has grown over the years testifying its continued relevance to developing countries in safeguarding and promoting their economic and social interests.
In this context, I am pleased to recall the convening of the Third South Summit of the G77 & China, in January 2024 in Kampala, in an international context characterized by multidimensional crises and new challenges.
Mr President,
G77 and China Chapter in Geneva has come a long way overcoming many constraints and challenges. On this historic occasion, I am pleased to recall the memory of the late Dr. Gamani Corea of Sri Lanka, who was the chief architect of the resolution, which launched the Group of 77 at the conclusion of the First session of UNCTAD.
The work of the UNCTAD is imperative for the global South, in advancing the development agenda, for achieving real growth in the developing countries and for reinstating and strengthening multilateralism.
As a recent initiative, we acknowledge the work of thematic Working Groups (WGs) on the areas relating to financing for development, climate change and sustainability and digital economy and digitalization.
Mr. President,
The challenges for financing for development threatens both the achievement of the SDGs and the urgent climate action required to prevent environmental catastrophe. In this context, the Geneva Chapter plays a pivotal role in supporting the development of innovative financing mechanisms and advocating for reforms in the global financial architecture. UNCTAD, with its expertise in trade and development, must work alongside the Group to address these financing challenges by promoting policies that create enabling environments for investment.
On the other hand, climate change poses a profound threat where communities are more vulnerable to its impacts despite contributing the least to global emissions. We must ensure that the Group can pursue sustainable pathways without being left behind in the global response to climate change. Our Group must therefore, continue to highlight the urgent need for developed nations to honor their commitments, ensuring that climate finance is accessible, predictable, and sufficient to meet the challenges faced by developing countries.
The digital economy and digitalization, present both opportunities and challenges for the Global South. We must work together to harness the full potential of digitalization for our growth and advancement.
Mr. President,
Sri Lanka also wishes to highlight the need to coordinate the Chapters of the G77, with a view to advance the positions of the G77 in the UN system to achieve our collective goals.
It is only by our join efforts that we can achieve these ambitions and development aspirations of our countries.
Thank you.
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