The G77+China must raise their voices for a world that works for all intending to build a system that defends human rights and looks after the common interest, António Guterres called.

Havana, Cuba.- Speaking at the opening ceremony of the bloc’s Summit in this capital, the UN Secretary-General insisted on the importance of the Group to remedy centuries of injustice and neglect, as expressed in its founding Declaration.

This function continues to be as important as it was then; its members are the engine of sustainable development, he said.

He acknowledged the contributions of the G77+China in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, as well as their efforts at the United Nations to seek global solutions and promote solidarity.

However, global systems and projects have failed them, Guterres remarked, recognizing the impact of the global configuration to generate problems in the South such as poverty, hunger, rising prices, increasing debt, and more frequent climate disasters.

“The conclusion is clear: the world is failing developing countries. To change this situation, we need action at the national level to ensure good governance, mobilize resources, and prioritize sustainable development,” he added. To this end, he insisted, the G77+China must raise their voices to fight for a world that works for all.

In the Secretary-General’s view, that goal calls for a strengthening of multilateralism with new opportunities for leadership on the world stage while demanding strong and effective institutions.

The upcoming Sustainable Development Goals Summit next week and the Summit of the Future in 2024 are real opportunities to move forward, he stressed.

Guterres thanked the members of the bloc for their support of these initiatives and acknowledged the leadership of Cuba at the helm of the G77+China during the year.

GUTERRES CONGRATULATES CUBA FOR CREATING, SHARING COVID-19 VACCINES

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres congratulated Cuba on Friday for developing its own vaccines against COVID-19 and its solidarity with disadvantaged nations at that stage.

These breakthroughs have not only served the Cuban people, said the UN chief as he acknowledged the generosity of Cuba, which allowed its use by other countries, victims of the inequality of international access to vaccines.

During the inauguration of the G77+China Summit, the UN leader agreed on the importance of accessing science, technology, and innovation for the promotion of the countries of the South, the central theme of the bloc’s meeting in La Havana.

Guterres recalled that during the scourge of COVID-19, the richest nations hoarded vaccines while the pandemic spread through the Global South.

Meanwhile, African countries pay three times more than the global average for data, while tech titans amassed unimaginable wealth, he added.

“Only global action can address these inequalities, ensure a just transition to a digital economy, and ensure that, in a new technological era, no one is left behind,” he said.

In that regard, the UN Secretary-General recognized the contributions from the G77+China to lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, as well as its efforts in the United Nations to search for global solutions and promote solidarity.

Global systems and frameworks have failed the group, Guterres stressed, recognizing the impact of the global configuration to generate problems in the South such as poverty, hunger, rising prices, increasing debt, or climate disasters, which are increasingly frequent.

“The conclusion is clear: the world is failing developing countries. To change this, we need measures at the national level to ensure good governance, mobilize resources, and prioritize sustainable development,” he added.

The world needs provisions that respect national ownership, to build a global system that upholds human rights and looks after common interests, he added.

To do this, he insisted, the G77+China must raise their voices to fight for a world that works for everyone.

GUTERRES: VOICE OF THE G77+CHINA WILL ALWAYS BE HEARD IN THE UN

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today assured that the voice of the G77+China will always be heard in the organization as a major player in a multipolar world.

“I count on this group, which has long been a defender of multilateralism, to step forward, use its power, and fight to defend a system based on equality,” the high representative stressed while speaking at the opening ceremony of the G77+China Summit in this capital.

The UN leader called on the bloc to boost science, technology, and innovation to forge solidarity, solve common problems, and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

These issues exacerbate inequalities and reinforce divisions today, he warned.

Guterres recalled that, during COVID-19, the richest countries monopolized vaccines while the pandemic swept through the Global South.

African nations pay three times the global average for data, while developed countries amass unimaginable wealth, he added.

“Only global action can address these inequalities, ensure a just transition to a digital economy, and ensure that, in a new technological age, no one is left behind,” he said. (PL)