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Presented and edited by Joseph Kizza
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 6:00 PM 

'Protectionism a distorter of economies'

President Yoweri Museveni says "vested parasitic interests are the ones blocking  progress".

"When I went to the UN [United Nations], I asked them: 'Who would lose if there was global affluence? Who are the potential victims of global affluence? Why would they want to preserve poverty'. Personally, I think everybody would gain even more. What evidence do I have?

"When China was getting out poverty — when they were having big construction projects inside China — the prices of raw materials went up.

"Some years ago, we were trying to build steel factories in Uganda and we were told not to bother with steel. And indeed, at that time, the price of steel was $200 per tonne. But when there was big construction in China, the price rose from $200 to $900 per tonne.

"In the 1970s, there was a high price of copper and countries like Zambia were very prosperous. The kwacha of Zambia was very strong. Then the price of copper collapsed. But when China was expanding, the price of copper went up. The price of cement, too, went up.

"So, while transformation was going on in China, other parts of the world were benefitting. Therefore, this shows that if there is growth in one or more countries, many people will benefit.

"Protectionism is a killer of opportunities and a distorter of economies."

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 5:42 PM 

'Mission is for all to get out of poverty'

President Museveni is invited to speak at the side event. He reiterates his push for global affluence, lending the call from the just concluded NAM Summit.

"Our mission should be for everybody to get out of poverty," he says.

"We have been having a problem of thinking: how to organize the society and ensure the [realization of affluence] in each country and leave no one behind."

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 5:13 PM 

'Wide networks of co-operation'

Miao says that "going forward, GDI will further integrate global development resources, optimise their allocation and help to bridge the gap in global financing for development".

"The GDI has developed wide networks of co-operation. China has signed memorandums of understanding on international development co-operation with a number of countries, regions and international organizations."

Under GDI, Miao says, China has launched a food production enhancement action, fostered a global clean energy co-operation partnership, set up an international NGOs network for poverty reduction co-operation and established the China-Pacific Island Countries Climate Action Co-operation Centre.

"South-South co-operation is a great innovative endeavour of the South for strength through unity.

"As the largest developing country and a natural member of the Global South, China has always worked with the South countries to uphold international justice and equity and defend our common right and interests in development."

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 4:52 PM 

'New starting point of history'

"Now we are standing at a new starting point of history. I am confident that under the able leadership of secretary general Grynspan and with the hard efforts of all the colleagues, UNCTAD will make fresh contributions to promoting global development and the modernization of the South," says Miao.

"Global development is facing headwinds and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda is encountering severe challenges. The international community's call for fairness and justice has become louder," says Miao.

"As a result, the Global Developement Initiative (GDI) has gained strong support from more than 100 countries and international organizations, including the UN.

"With the concerted efforts of all parties, GDI's concept has been continuously enrinched," says Miao, who is keen to underline that GDI is a public product offered by the Chinese government to the world for development, and that it is "action-oriented".

He says the GDI has revitalized the global development agenda as well as mobilized resources for common development. Under the initiative a $4 billion global development  and South-South fund has supported UN entities in implementing dozens of livelihood projects in nearly 20 developing countries.

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 4:33 PM 

'Useful platform'

China's assistant foreign minister Miao Deyu says that in all these discussions involving the G77+China, "development is the common goal" but that there are different formulae of how to realize this.

"Today's opportunity provides a very good useful platform for people to discuss how you can combine your own national context and your desire to reach development goals and to realize modernization in these forces," he says.

"To promote the global development initiative, which was proposed by President Xi Jinping of China, the Chinese government has joined hands with UNCTAD and the Barbados government in carrying out the product for post-pandemic sustainable development and recovery.

"This successful triangular or triparte project is a vivid example of the international community's efforts to deepen development co-operation and promote sustainable development.

"Over the last six decades, UNCTAD has been promoting the dialogue between the North and the South, fostering South-South co-operation and making contributions to the calls of global development. And UNCTAD, I think, is reputed as a think tank of the South co-operation. It deserves our gratitude and respect," says Miao.

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 4:18 PM 

'South in UNCTAD's DNA'

Grynspan says NCTAD "was born with the interest of the South in our DNA. This high-level seminar demonstrates our strong commitment to building on that history in support of sustainable  and inclusive development".

She says they at UNCTAD trust today's discussion will contribute to the "wider thinking that is urgently needed to build a more development-friendly multilateralism with development at its centre".

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 4:13 PM 

'We have to partner'

Speaking as a keynote speaker at the side event, Rebeca Grynspan, the UNCTAD secretary general, says the G77+China is uniquely positioned to foster digital technology.

"If a country wants to learn about digital-led development, it has much more to learn from a country in the South which has leapfrogged in the area in the last  decade," says Grynspan.

"If we really want to meet the SDGs (sustainable development goals) in this decade of action, the only option we have is to leapfrog our way to 2030.

"But to learn how to leap, it is better to ask the frog. All the frogs are in the Global South. The expanded economy of th South and dynamic economic co-operation have gradually but significantly changed the international economic landscape, which has helped further build the greater confidence and solidarity of the Global South in international affairs.

"We have seen increasing South-led initiatives such as the expanded BRICS, new development, financing initiatives, regional trade and investment agreement, climate co-operation," she says.

Grynspan also says that that "neither the South or the North alone can solve the great problems of our times. We have to partner and we have to co-operate".

An intergovernmental organization within the UN Secretariat that promotes the interests of developing countries in world trade, NCTAD provides support in tackling challenges and boosting secure e-commerce for inclusive and sustainable development. 

Grynspan says NCTAD was born with the interest of the South in our DNA.
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 3:56 PM 

📍 Side event at Munyonyo

At Munyonyo, a side event (seminar) is getting away. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Event.

It is organized by UNCTAD, China and Uganda.

China is well represented here. President Yoweri Museveni, the chair of the G77+China, is in attendance.

The seminar is aimed at discussing how to scale up South-South co-operation and integration.

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 12:14 PM 

📸  PICTURE THIS

Take a look at earlier pictures of various G77+China leaders and members of delegations moments before the opening ceremony got under way.

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 11:24 AM 

Opening ceremony ends

After those remarks by the representative of China's President Xi Jinping, President Museveni brings the opening ceremony to an end for the heads of state and government to break off for the official group photo.

In the next session, which is a plenary of G77+China heads of state and government, no members of the press will be allowed in.

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 11:23 AM 

China pledges continued support to Global South

"China firmly supports countries of the South in realizing common development," says Liu.

"In the early days of its founding, New China began assisting other countries to the best of its capacity. More than 78 years on, thousands of complete projects and projects for providing goods and materials have been implemented.

"Over 10,000 technical co-operation projects have been conducted and over 400,000 training opportunities have been provided to developing countries. In all these endeavours, we have never attached political strings or interfered with other countries' internal affairs, winning deep friendship from countries of the South.

"In recent years, President Xi Jinping has put forward the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Gobal Civilization Initiative (GCI). The aim is to promote common development, lasting stability, enduring security and mutual learning among civilizations and lay the ground work for a bright prospect of peace, security, prosperity and progress in the world.

"Working closely with over 20 international organizations, China has implemented over 130 trilateral co-operation projects in nearly 60 countries in the areas such as poverty reduction, food security, public health and climate change.

"More than 30 million people have benefitted from these projects and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development received a good boost .

"President Xi Jinping has underlined that China, as a developing country and one of the Global South, has invariably stood in solidarity with fellow developing countries through thick and thin.

"China will continue to take South-South co-operation as a priority in its co-operation with other countries, stand together, and work with G77 members and contribute to the common development of countries of the South with its philosophy and progress in pursuit of Chinese modernization."

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 11:20 AM 

China's three proposals

Liu then presents China's three proposals:

▪️  First, we need to be brave and determined in exploring our path to modernization. Modernization as an aspiration is universal for more than one countries, but the ways leading to it cannot fit into one single model. We need to put our people at the centre, stay grounded in our own realities and traditions, learn from other civilizations and explore paths to modernization that fit our own development.

We need to seize the opportunities created by the latest round of technological evolution and industrial transformation, thus achieving leapfrog social and economic development. As China, we look forward to join hands with the countries of the South and achieving modernization together, leaving no one behind.

▪️   Second, we need to pursue higher quality South-South co-operation. Countries of the South at various stages of development and with diverse endowments of resources enjoye considerable complementaries in various economic structures. We need to seek strength and unity, enhance the synergy of development strategies and continue to unlock the potential for co-operation to make countries of the South more competitive as a whole.

China is ready to focus on practical co-operation and capacity building and conduct co-operation in a broader way and in more areas to unleash the potential for growth, address the difficulties holding back development and improve people's wellbeing.

▪️    Third, we need to actively participate  in the reform of the global governance system, complying to the common call for all countries, especially developing countries, and raising our representation and voice in meaningful ways is critical in tackling the age-old problems in international governance.

We need to jointly call for an equal and orderly multi-polar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive globalization.

We need to jointly support the reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the international financial system and to make international development agencies more efficient in supporting countries of the South.

We need to bring development to the centre of global economic policy framework.

I urge developed countries to earnestly deliver on their commitments of official development assistance and climate financing and speed up the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Poverty is a primary challenge for the development of countries of the South. China encourages the UN Secretary General to nominate a special envoy for poverty eradication in order to promote global poverty reduction.
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 11:17 AM 

'Constructive role'

"In mechanisms, including the UN, the G20, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, we have played a constructive role," says Liu, adding that they have made it possible to establish such financial institutions as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and in so doing "guiding the trend of international co-operation and making the global governance system more fair and equitable".

He says changes are unfolding very fast and that the collective rise of the countries in the Global South is unstoppable" — "yet, the unjust and inequitable international, political and economic order from the past continues to have lingering effects".

Liu says: "Factors hindering world peace and development have not been eradicated and countries of the South are facing an increasingly complex external environment. We need to renew our efforts to forge a united, equal, balanced and inclusive global development partnership, and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

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 11:15 AM 

'Visibly narrowing gap'

Liu says further: "Pursuing development and rejuvenation is a historical mission of countries of the South. Seizing opportunities of economic globalization, countries of the South have been promoting trade and investment, liberalization and facilitation and carrying out bilateral, regional and multilateral co-operation, thereby realizing fairly fast economic and social development.

"Today, countries of the South account for half of the world economy, 42% of global trade and half of high tech exports.We are visibly narrowing the gap with developed countries.

"Countries of the South now contribute to nearly 60% to global growth, according to statistics from international institutions. Equity and justice are the common aspirations of the countries of the South.

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 11:12 AM 

'Forum key co-operation mechanism'

"We hold firm in our hands the future of our countries' development and the wellbeing of our nations," says Liu.

"In an ever-changing international landscape, we have gained a strong foothold and at the same time promoted progress of human society. Seeking strength through unity is a glorious tradition of the countries of the South.

"President Xi Jinping pointed out that South-South co-operation is  a great creative undertaking by the developing countries to seek strength through unity.

"We have been deepening South-South co-operation, advancing North-South dialogue and standing together in international affairs. The G77+China is our important co-operation mechanism within the framework of the UN.

"Countries of the South have also created such platforms as the BRICS and African Union to send common messages and uphold shared interests. Not long ago, the BRICS realized a historic expansion, which strengthened the momentum of solidarity and co-operation among emerging markets and developing countries and boosted the morale of the Global South to forge ahead in unity."
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 11:09 AM 

'Important voice to be reckoned with'

"It gives me great pleasure to attend this South Summit as the Special Representative of President Xi Jinping. I wish to express my appreciation to the Government of Uganda for its thoughtful arrangements and congratulations for your assumption of chairmanship," Liu begins, also thanking outgoing chair Cuba for its "efforts and contributions in the past period".

He says that in the course of over the past six decades, mechanisms such as the G77+China have been "instrumental" in helping countries of Global South to lead a forward path that advocates "equality, mutual trust, mutual benefit, solidarity and mutual assistance".

"Today, the G77 accounts for more than 130 member states, covering over two-thirds of the UN membership and has become an important voice to be reckoned with in international affairs," says Liu, adding that the group's achievements are "a source of pride and its experience is truly valuable".

"Independence is the defining political future of the South. Most countries of the South share a past of trudging through the mire of colonialism. We do not flinch in safeguarding national independence and dignity.

"We never succumb to external interference," adds the Chinese diplomat.
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 11:07 AM 

President Museveni invites Liu Guozhong, Chinese President Xi Jinping's Special Representative, to address the summit "as a special guest".

Liu is also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee of China and the Vice-Premier of the State Council.

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 11:03 AM 

'Significant frustration'

UN chief Guterres says millions of people globally — particularly women and girls — endure a lack of basic respect for their human rights.

"The scarcity of employment opportunities is leading to significant frustration, particularly among the youth."

On science, technology and innovation, Guterres urges the G77+China "not let new technologies be written by the rich, for the rich".

The momentum for change must start with you, he tells the group.

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 10:57 AM 

'Institutions must reflect today’s world'

In his address to the summit, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, says as the 2030 deadline riding on the commitment of 'Leaving no one behind' fast approaches, "we are faltering in our progress".

"Advances in alleviating hunger and poverty are dwindling, and certain countries are regressing. Numerous G77 members are contending with economic hardships stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, overwhelming debts, crises in the cost of living, and soaring borrowing expenses." he says.

Guterres also says that despite the fact that co-operation in the Global South is strengthening, "it does not replace the need for the Global North's commitment to extend engagement in reducing poverty, and income inequality, support growth, and foster resilience in developing nations.

 He also says they are banking on the G77+China to make the upcoming Summit of the Future a success, saying that meeting will be an opportunity to consider global governance reforms and re-build trust.

"We cannot accept that Africa still lacks a single permanent member in the Security Council. Institutions must reflect today’s world, not that of 80 years ago," says the UN chief.

He urges the coalition to hold developed countries to account for climate justice.
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 10:38 AM 

'Inclusion and equity'

"We need a global financial system rooted in inclusion and equity," says Dennis Francis, the President of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly, in his address to the summit.

He tells delegates that their attendance in Kampala "underscores the fact that the G77+China has a pivotal role in shaping a new world order that is inclusive and leaves no one behind".

Francis says the UN General Assembly is not sitting back amid the ongoing complex global situations affecting especially the Global South. On conflict, for instance, he says they have called for a humanitarian ceasefire to the conflict on Gaza.
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 10:33 AM 

Uganda's chairmanship, Museveni says, will strive to further promote and accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, scaling up action on climate change and biodiversity loss and strengthening international tax cooperation, etc.

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 10:27 AM 

'Steadfast'

President Museveni tells the G77+China Summit that the Third South Summit's theme of 'Leaving no one behind' requires that as a group, "we remain steadfast in our demand to the international community to support developing countries to urgently address the global challenges".
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 10:20 AM 

'Human rights should be handled objectively'

President Museveni says Uganda remains "steadfast in its commitment to the promise of 'Leaving no one behind', saying that in this context, his country has ramped up its domestic initiatives, striving to comprehensively achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

"Our government is executing interventions across crucial sectors to ensure inclusivity.

Museveni says Uganda has focused on four sectors to lead its socio-economic transformation: commercial agriculture, industry, development and mobilization of services and ICT.

Additionally, the Ugandan leader says, there is a prioritization of safeguarding human rights, including the right to development, through both national legal frameworks and internal commitments."

In this regard, he is keen to underline that "the issue of human rights should be handled objectively and not politicized".
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 10:17 AM 

'Collective unity'

President Museveni says the G77+China represents 80% of the global population, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 40% of the global GDP.

"The group has been successful in defending and promoting the interests of developing countries," he says.

On the Third South Summit theme, Museveni says "forging the path towards 'Leaving no one behind' necessitates our collective unity in urging the international community to provide support to developing countries and address pressing global challenges such as poverty and climate change".

"As the G77+China, it is imperative that we persist in working together to realize an international economic order that is fair and equitable, echoing the principles set forth 59 years ago at the group's inception."

The group was established on June 15, 1964 by 77 developing signatory countries of the 'Joint Declaration of the Seventy-Seven Developing Countries' issued at the conclusion of the first session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in the Swiss capital Geneva.
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 10:15 AM 

 BREAKING NEWS 

Museveni takes charge of  G77+China

President Yoweri Museveni officially takes over as chair of the Third South Summit and by extension, the Group of 77 and China.

"I welcome you all to the Pearl of Africa. Your participation in this summit demonstrates your commitment to the work of the G77+China)," he starts off.

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 10:12 AM 

Next up, an address by the head of delegation of the State of Qatar.

It is close to two decades since the last summit (Second South Summit) was held in Qatar's capital Doha in 2005.
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 10:11 AM 

'Pride and honour'

Cuban VP Mesa says that for his country, "it was a source of much pride and honour to lead the G77+China which we carried out in difficult circumstances".

"I would like to thank the members of the Group, and the Secretariat of the G77 for the support they have always given us. Today we pass on the baton to our sister nation Uganda. Uganda can always count on the total support of Cuba."
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 10:09 AM 

Science, technology and innovation

Cuba says 2023 was a year of "commendable and collective success".

It says the G77+China has been a key player in various United Nations negotiations, including on sustainable development. It has also been involved in preparations for the Summit of the Future that is coming up this September.

Mesa says his nation's leadership of the G77+China "has allowed us to make the interests of the developing countries heard in this critical forum".

Among the tasks Cuba wishes that the new chairmanship focuses on is the push for science, technology and innovation (STI) at the higher level, including presenting a draft resolution to the UN General Assembly on behalf of the G77+China on the advancement of STI.

Cuba also wishes that Uganda holds a meeting of ministers and high authorities of science and technology in the first half of 2024.

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 10:00 AM 

 BREAKING NEWS 

G77+China Third South Summit begins

The opening ceremony of the Heads of State and Government of the G77+China is under way in Munyonyo.

Cuban Vice-President Salvador Valdés Mesa begins his address as chair of the coalition.

"Africa deserves respect and support in its path to development," he says as he expresses his gratitude to being back on African soil.

He particularly hails host President Yoweri Museveni for his contribution in promotion of peace and stability in Africa and the rest of the world.

In the challenging, complex global times, Mesa says "unity of the G77+China should be the order of the day".
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 9:45 AM 

#⃣  Join the conversation

Get to know what is being talked about this summit on social media using the hashtag  #G77ChinaSummitUg24 on specifically X (formerly Twitter).
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 9:26 AM 

🗞️ In The Weekend Vision

Grabbed your copy of The Weekend Vision yet?

No worries. We still got you. Head over here for the electronic version.

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 9:20 AM 

📸  Arrivals

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 9:11 AM 

📝 Today's programme

The delegates are arriving at the venue for the opening ceremony of the G77+China Third South Summit in Kampala.

▪️   To get us started will be the official group photograph in just under 10 minutes from now.

▪️  The opening ceremony of the Third South Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Group of 77 and China will get under way inside the main hall of the Rwenzori Convention Centre.

▪️  Here, the current chair of the Group of 77 and China will address the delegates.

▪️  There will also be an address by the head of delegation of the State of Qatar.

▪️  Followed by the official handover of chair of the Second South Summit to President Yoweri Museveni, the chair of the Third South Summit.

▪️  President Museveni will then deliver his inaugural address.

▪️  Dennis Francis, President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, will also address the meeting, followed by the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

▪️  Thereafter, a plenary session of heads of state and government. This will be a closed session.

▪️  During this engagement, the agenda and programme of work of the summit will be adopted.

▪️  The senior officials meeting report will be presented and the outcome document of the summit will be adopted.

▪️  Then, statements by the heads of state and government and heads of delegations.

▪️  The afternoon period will feature a plenary session of the heads of state and government and heads of delegations and then presentation of statements.
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 9:03 AM 

📍 Venue set

  The summit venue is Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo in Uganda's capital Kampala.

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 9:00 AM 

'Uganda is a progressive country'

Three days ago (on Thursday), the G77+China meeting of senior officials was held at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

Amb. Pedro Luis Pedroso Cuesta, the current chair of the G77+China, delivered his opening remarks, following by an address by the permanent secretary of Uganda's foreign affairs ministry, Vincent Bagiire Waiswa.

Bagiire was elected the chairman of the G77+China senior officials meeting and got down to the business, including the adoption of the  agenda and organization of work  as well as the consideration and adoption of the outcome documents.

▪️  Related stories on NAM and G77 Kampala summits

Meanwhile, in the weeks leading to the summit, Bagiire said hosting this meeting comes with benefits.

"It is an opportunity for us to build confidence in the world, that Uganda is a progressive country — and indeed we are. And beyond hosting these events, we can get investors to come and invest in our country.

"Our hotels will also benefit. We shall improve our tourism credentials."
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 8:48 AM 

What's in it for Uganda?

According to the Government, by being part of the G77, Uganda can actively contribute to shaping global policies that can impact developing nations. This involvement helps ensure that concerns of Uganda and similar countries are considered in international decision-making.

Participation in G77 also allows Uganda to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of more developed member countries. This knowledge transfer can be invaluable in various sectors, including education, healthcare and technology.

As part of the G77, Uganda gains increased negotiating power in international forums, helping to protect its interests and advocate for fair global policies.
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 8:37 AM 

What the coalition does

Briefly, the functions of the G77+China alliance are to:

▪️  Produce joint declarations, action programmes, and agreements on development issues
▪️  Make statements at various main committes of the UN General Assembly
▪️  Initiate and negotiate resolutions and decisions at UN meetings.

At the Third South Summit here Kampala, the group's member states are expected to reiterate the message of solidarity, unity, and complementarity of the South and speak with a unified voice to achieve their common goals and objectives.

In their first declaration in June 1964, the founding fathers of the Group of 77 stated that:

The developing countries have a strong conviction that there is a vital need to maintain, and further strenghten, this unity in the years ahead.
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 8:30 AM 

Uganda at the helm

When Uganda assumes the chairmanship of the G77+China, it means the East African nation wielding enhanced diplomatic clout, and being in a stronger position to attract more investment to open up more markets for her exports as well as promote her vast tourism offerings.

The chairmanship lasts one year in all the chapters, and it rotates on a regional basis — between Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

As chairman, President Museveni will act as the alliance's spokesman and he will coordinate its action in each chapter.

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 8:21 AM 

What you should know

The G77 is the largest coalition of developing countries in the United Nations. This gives it the much-needed muscle to articulate and promote its collective economic interests and enhance its joint negotiating powere on major international issues in the UN system. That includes the South-South co-operation.

When it comes to the G77+China, consensus among its members is the modus operandi. The group has not permanent secretariat and has to rely on an arrangement of rotational chairmanship of a year.

This time around, Uganda will be taking on the mantle from Cuba, with President Yoweri Museveni set to be the chair of the coalition concurrently with the Non-Aligned Movement.

The G77 has a significant function in a variety of UN bodies, including the UN General Assembly, currently presided over by Dennis Francis, who has attended and addressed the just-concluded NAM Summit in Kampala.

The group offers a platform for developing nations to air their concerns and advicate for policies that address their development needs.

It also promotes the South-South co-operation — which involves developing countries sharing knowledge, technology and resources — with an aim of nurturing economic growth and development.

Issues such as debt relief, technology transfer, finance, trade and sustainable development are common in G77 discussions.
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 8:14 AM 

Leaving no one behind

So, uhm, first things first. What exactly are we talking about here? Here is the thing...

It is close to two decades since the last South Summit, also known as the G77 Summit — the supreme decision-making body of the group — was held in Doha. Since that Second South Summit in Qatar's capital in 2005, Uganda is now hosting the third edition under the theme: Leaving no one behind.

Uganda was found fit to host the summit when in May 2023, current chair Amb. Pedroso Cuesta Pedro Luis and his team completed a four-day fact-finding mission to Uganda to assess the country's readiness.

It would be some 23 years since the first summit had taken place in Cuba's capital Havana in 2000 and 36 years since the establishment of the G77.

The group was established on June 15, 1964 by 77 developing signatory countries of the 'Joint Declaration of the Seventy-Seven Developing Countries' issued at the conclusion of the first session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in the Swiss capital Geneva.

Of course the membership has since grown to 134 countries, but the original name remained intact due to its historic signifance.
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 8:07 AM 

Welcome to our live text coverage of the Third South Summit that is officially getting under way at the lush Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo, which has just successfully hosted the 19th NAM Summit.

Right here on this page, I will keep you posted on what unfolds in the course of what promises to be a busy Sunday of engagements.

Many of the delegates from especially Asia, Africa and Latin America who have attended the NAM Summit have stayed around to be a part of the Third South Summit — a substantial composition of the 135-strong Group of 77 are member states of the Non-Aligned Movement.

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 8:00 AM 

Hello everyone. Good morning!

On this twenty-first day of the first month of 2024, we won't catch our breath, so we are shifting gears in earnest from the just concluded 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit to the Third South Summit of the Group of 77 countries and China (G77+China).

Yep! All this is happening here in Kampala, the capital city of the East African nation Uganda, fondly named the Pearl of Africa more than a decade ago by eventual British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill in tribute to the country's beauty, abundant wildlife and diversity.

He sure was spot on!