UNGA commends G77 China for supporting multilateralism

“At a time when multilateralism is being tested at every turn, the countries of the G77 and China continue to resolutely support the multilateral system,” he told the annual ministerial meeting of the G77 and China.

They held the meeting during the high-level week of the General Assembly.

“We have seen evidence of that this week, with record engagement by (UN) member states, particularly from this group. And the approval of four significant political declarations,” he said.

The world faces immense challenges, yet maintains the capacity to act. What is in short supply is the will to act and the humility to listen and engage, he said.

Francis expressed the hope that the group will continue to be flagbearers for multilateralism.

He said the voice of the group was needed for pressing implementation of the 2030 Agenda. And for the reform of international financial architecture.

The fact that the world is implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) affects developing countries more than any other group of nations.

Members of the G77 and China, therefore, have the most to lose, said Francis.

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Losing that battle to implement the SDGs would have socio-economic repercussions, cutting across every sector.

The G77 and China thus have a responsibility to keep the commitments and ambitions high on the implementation of the SDGs, UNGA said.

Francis called for efforts to push for reform of the international financial architecture.

“As a matter of principle, we can no longer tolerate unjust financial systems that are impairing progress.

“Otherwise, this will mean keeping developing countries trapped in a vicious cycle of debt and deprivation.”

The G77 and China have been instrumental towards elevating the discussion around the reform of international financial institutions.

And they have always been the leading voice on the need for full implementation of the SDGs, he said.

The G77 is a coalition of developing countries at the United Nations. The coalition derived its name from 77 founding members, but its membership has grown significantly to more than 130. (Xinhua)