The Honourable Hugh Hilton Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, today, participated in the 45th Annual Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Group of 77 and China.
Minister Todd conveyed commendations to the Republic of Guinea for the stewardship of the work of the Group of 77 and China as the 2021 Chair, amidst the intensified difficulties occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Foreign Minister also extended congratulations and support to the delegation of Pakistan as the incoming Chair of the Group of 77 and China for 2022.
During his address, Minister Todd highlighted several efforts that the Group of 77 and China can advance to further enhance the Group’s response to major challenges developing countries continue to face. These efforts include equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, commitments to avert the climate crisis and collectivism and solidarity in confronting challenges.
In addition, the Honourable Minister emphasized that countries must be deliberate about “greening” their economies. In this regard, he alluded to Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which is geared towards this objective and focuses on protecting against climate change and biodiversity loss while stimulating economic growth along sustainable pathways.
Guyana was elected Chair of the Group of 77 and China for the year 2020. The Group of 77 and China 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.
November 30, 2021
