Understanding the Group of 77 (G-77): Definition, Operations, and Implications
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Summary:
The Group of 77 (G-77) is a significant intergovernmental organization comprising over 130 developing nations within the United Nations. Established in 1964, its primary aim is to promote economic cooperation and development among member countries. Guided by the Charter of Algiers, the G-77 convenes annually at the UN headquarters in New York to address key economic issues and foster South-South cooperation. Member countries contribute to the group’s activities, which include participation in UN committees and sponsoring resolutions. Pakistan chaired the G-77 in New York in 2022.
What is the group of 77 (G-77)?
The Group of 77 (G-77) stands as the largest intergovernmental coalition of developing nations within the United Nations (UN). Formed on June 15, 1967, by 77 developing countries signing the Joint Declaration of the Seventy-Seven Developing Countries in Geneva, its core objective was to promote collective economic interests and enhance negotiating capacity on international economic issues. Since its establishment, the G-77 has expanded its membership and currently comprises over 130 member countries.
Formation and objectives
The G-77 emerged as a response to the economic disparities between developed and developing nations. The signing of the Joint Declaration of the Seventy-Seven Developing Countries in Geneva on June 15, 1967, marked its inception. The 77 original signatories aimed to establish a platform for cooperation and negotiation within the UN system to address common economic challenges.
The primary objective of the G-77 is to provide a forum for developing countries to articulate and promote their collective economic interests. This involves enhancing their negotiating capacity on major international economic issues within the UN system. Additionally, the G-77 seeks to foster South-South cooperation for development, encouraging collaboration among developing economies in the Global South.
Structure and operations
The institutional framework of the G-77 is governed by the Charter of Algiers, adopted on October 25, 1967. This charter outlines the principles and objectives of the group, serving as a guiding framework for its activities. The G-77 convenes annual meetings at the UN headquarters in New York, where member countries gather to discuss and address key economic issues and initiatives.
Furthermore, the G-77 actively participates in various UN bodies, including the General Assembly, Economic and Social Council, and subsidiary committees. It sponsors resolutions and decisions at major conferences and meetings under the auspices of the UN, advocating for the interests of developing countries on the global stage.
Leadership and activities
Each year, the G-77 is chaired by a rotating member country, responsible for coordinating the group’s activities and representing its interests. In 2022, Pakistan held the chairmanship of the G-77 in New York. The group’s leadership plays a crucial role in facilitating dialogue and collaboration among member states.
Additionally, the G-77 maintains liaison offices in key international cities, including Washington, D.C., Geneva, Paris, Vienna, Nairobi, and Rome. These offices facilitate communication and coordination with relevant international organizations and agencies, furthering the group’s objectives.
Frequently asked questions
How does the G-77 contribute to economic development?
The G-77 aims to promote economic cooperation and development among member countries by providing a platform for articulating collective economic interests, enhancing negotiating capacity on major international economic issues, and fostering South-South cooperation.
What role does the Charter of Algiers play within the G-77?
The Charter of Algiers serves as the institutional framework for the G-77, outlining its principles and objectives. It guides the group’s operations and activities, providing a cohesive framework for member countries to work towards common economic goals.
How are decisions made within the G-77?
Decisions within the G-77 are typically made through consensus among member countries. The group operates on the basis of cooperation and collaboration, with each member contributing to the decision-making process.
Key takeaways
- The Group of 77 (G-77) is the largest intergovernmental coalition of developing nations within the United Nations, established in 1964.
- Its primary objective is to promote economic cooperation and development among member countries, guided by the Charter of Algiers.
- The G-77 convenes annually at the UN headquarters in New York and actively participates in various UN bodies and conferences.
- Pakistan chaired the G-77 in New York for the year 2022.
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