Cuba Prepares for the G-77 and China Summit in Havana

Preparations are underway in Havana for the Group of 77 and China (G-77 and China) Summit scheduled for September 15 and 16.

Cuba, in its role as Chairman of the G-77 and China, will host the Summit of Heads of State and Government under the theme of “Current Challenges of Development: The Role of Science, Technology and Innovation.”

The Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has confirmed his participation in the Summit.

Likewise, the heads of state of Angola, Honduras, Argentina, Bolivia, Mozambique, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Iraq, and others have confirmed their presence.

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla said that Cuba is honored to receive Guterres. He welcomed his presence at the Summit.

Since January, Cuba has served as the Pro Tempore Presidency of the Group following the chairmanship of Pakistan.

Although it is Cuba’s first time serving in the role of presidency of the G-77 and China, it has participated in Chapters in Geneva 2001 and 2010, Nairobi in 2005, Rome in 1987 and 2001.

A Brief History of the G-77 and China

Founded in 1964, the G-77 and China is an intergovernmental forum representing 77 developing countries of the Global South within the United Nations. It has grown since the 60s, and today, 134 countries belong. The G-77 is the largest organization representing states that have not benefited from the fast economic growth that western economies experienced in the 1950s and 1960s.

It provides a means for the countries of the South to articulate and promote collective economic interests under a strategy of South-South cooperation.

G-77 and China and Sustainable Development

President Díaz-Canel said the Summit “should strengthen our unity and decide on collective and practical actions in the effective confrontation of contemporary challenges. Every minute counts in the search for solutions to the pressing problems of our peoples.” He added that “scientific and technical progress, which is key to achieving sustainable development, is, however, inaccessible to a large part of humanity.”

Díaz-Canel stated that the causes of economic inequality stem from the unjust international economic order, exacerbated by the socioeconomic and scientific-technical marginalization of countries. This factor has led to serious economic consequences for the nations of the Global South.

Changing this scenario, the President stressed, requires construction of a fairer relationship and a truly democratic and inclusive order that promotes international solidarity and cooperation.

“The members of the Group of 77 and China, together represent 80% of the world’s population and over two-thirds of the United Nations membership, are urged to do just that,” he added.

At Cuba’s request, the G-77 and China submitted two draft resolutions: “Towards a new international economic order” and “Unilateral economic measures as a means of political and economic coercion against developing countries,” to the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly with the goal of strengthening mechanisms for political coordination within the Group.

Throughout the year, Cuba has hosted several G-77 and China events. In July, meetings of the Group’s Ministers of Education, Culture and Tourism took place.