Established on 15 June 1964 by seventy-seven developing countries signatories of the “Joint Declaration of the Seventy-Seven Developing Countries” issued at the end of the first session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva. Beginning with the first “Ministerial Meeting of the Group of 77 in Algiers (Algeria) on 10 – 25 October 1967, which adopted the Charter of Algiers”, a permanent institutional structure gradually developed which led to the creation of Chapters of the Group of 77 with Liaison offices in Geneva (UNCTAD), Nairobi (UNEP), Paris (UNESCO), Rome (FAO/IFAD), Vienna (UNIDO), and the Group of 24 (G-24) in Washington, D.C. (IMF and World Bank).
Although the members of the G-77 have increased to 134 countries, the original name was retained due to its historic significance. The Group of 77 is the largest intergovernmental organization of developing countries in the United Nations, which provides the means for the countries of the South to articulate and promote their collective economic interests and enhance their joint negotiating capacity on all major international economic issues within the United Nations system and promote South-South cooperation for development. Under the current geopolitical scenario, its importance has enhanced exponentially.
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Understanding the matter better
Big powers are stretching their muscles to grab supremacy over others, only G-77 collectively can survive otherwise might fall victim to big powers and show of muscles. It also makes statements at various Main Committees of the General Assembly, ECOSOC, and other subsidiary bodies, sponsors and negotiates resolutions and decisions at major conferences and other meetings held under the aegis of the United Nations dealing with international economic cooperation and development as well as the reform of the United Nations.
Pakistan is a very active member of G-77 and plays a positive role. And has been Chairman in 1976-77, 1992, 2007, and 2022 currently. It has been advocating for all developing countries and on various occasions and on various platforms, has been protecting the collective interests of all developing nations.
On 15-16 December 2022 in New York, the Foreign Minister Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will host and chair the Ministerial Conference of the G-77 and China. The agenda of the Conference includes a discussion on multiple challenges facing developing countries in attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, climate-induced disasters, and geopolitical developments.
The Foreign Minister will meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and participate in a high-level debate at the UN Security Council on the theme of “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism” to be held on 14 December 2022.
It is believed that availing this opportunity, he will pay gratitude to the Secretary General of the UN for his efforts to mobilize the international community to extend helping hands toward Pakistan in the unprecedented flood-damaged Pakistan this summer. He may also remind him to follow up with the pledged aid and humanitarian assistance by a few nations. The recently established disaster management relief fund in Egypt may be put on top priority.
Foreign Minister will travel to Washington DC on 19th December 2022 where he will hold meetings with high-level government officials, congressional leaders, Pakistani-American businessmen, and community members. He will also engage with think tanks and the media.
The way forward
During his official meetings, bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest will be discussed to carry forward the momentum in Pakistan-US bilateral relations particularly in areas of trade, investment, climate resilience, and economic development.
It is also believed that during his official meetings with US leadership, he will convince them of Pakistan’s point of view and clarifies some of the misunderstandings. Especially Pakistan’s strict control over its strategic assets and safeguarding them. Pakistan is a responsible nation and understands its global duties very well. On the other hand, may point out that the situation in India is extremely vulnerable, where extremists are over-engaged in the genocide of minorities and Uranium is being sold in the black market openly.
It happened more than once. Also, Indian missiles are out of control and entered Pakistani territories. The US need not worry about Pakistan’s nukes but should focus on Indian rapidly deteriorating situation. He may also point out the matter of religious freedom in India in comparison with Pakistan.
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Pakistan always desires to establish closer relations but the American President’s unjustified remarks, sometimes are provocative and major hurdles. It is expected that such a high-level meeting will make both sides understand each other much better and some of the existing misunderstandings can be resolved. It will definitely pave way for strengthening our bilateral relations and promotion of cooperation in multiple dimensions. Restoration of trust is a pre-condition to a suitable relationship.
Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Editor, Analyst, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization). (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).
The views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Global Village Space.