Vienna, 26 January 2023 (TDI): Pakistan takes over as head of the Vienna Chapter of the Group of 77 and China and reiterates its commitment to advance the group’s shared interests and work toward consensus-based solutions.
In a formal handover ceremony held today at the United Nations Offices in Vienna (UNoV), Pakistan has taken over the leadership of the Group of 77 and China from the Kingdom of Morocco.
Heads of Mission from the Group’s member states as well as diplomats attended the ceremony. Additionally present was Gerd Muller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Additionally, Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the United Nations Offices in Vienna (UNoV) and Director-General of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) attended the event.
Moreover, Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), & representatives of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), and the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (CTBTO) were also present.
Also read: Pakistan formally hands over chairmanship of G-77 & China to Cuba
The Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN and other international organizations in Vienna, Ambassador Aftab Ahmad Khokher, thanked the Group for electing Pakistan to serve as the Group’s chair in 2023.
He claimed that historically, the Group of 77 and China had made significant contributions to advancing the economic and social goals of developing nations.
The Group’s work has become even more crucial today, he continued, as the world struggles with numerous interconnected problems like pandemics, drug trafficking, organized crime, food insecurity, and climate change.
He recalled how crucial it was for the international organizations in Vienna to support the international community in meeting these challenges.
In all thematic areas that fall under the purview of Vienna-based organizations, Ambassador Khokher emphasized Pakistan’s objective to effectively articulate shared perspectives & advance the common interests of developing countries.
The management of mutually beneficial migration, the promotion of peaceful uses of nuclear technology and space exploration, and the encouragement of industrial development are a few of them.
He went on to further add that Pakistan would work to develop solutions based on the consensus that would benefit all.
Group of 77 and China
The Group of 77 and China is the largest intergovernmental organization of developing nations in the UN. It was founded in June 1954.
With 134 members, it offers a platform for developing nations to express and advance their shared economic interests.
Likewise, it’s a platform that serves to strengthen their ability to negotiate on all significant global issues within the UN system and advance South-South cooperation for development.
