Dennis Francis, President of the 78th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, has urged the G77+China and all other countries to unite and construct bridges of communication, hope, and collaboration in order to establish a more equitable, just, and prosperous world for all people, adhering to the principle of leaving no one behind.
He told the gathering that Uganda will undoubtedly carry on the G77’s leadership torch for a prosperous, cohesive, and stronger South under President Museveni’s capable leadership, particularly now that Uganda’s assumption of the chairmanship coincides with the G77’s 60th anniversary.
Francis said that to properly acknowledge and capitalize on the importance of the Global South, multilateral organizations such as the United Nations and international financial institutions must undergo immediate and drastic restructuring.
“We require an international financial system based on equity and inclusivity that will inspire and strengthen multilateralism, encourage investments that are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, and end the debt and interest cycle that impoverishes developing nations,” Francis said.
He further urged the G77+China members to actively promote significant change that results in observable advancements in humankind’s well-being and development rather than merely relying on data and yearly reports.
“This will help to build a more sustainable world that is safer, more secure, and more peaceful,” he added.
As President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, he highlighted a series of events on the UN Sustainable Development Calendar, including the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Antigua and Barbuda, the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Rwanda, and the inaugural UN General Assembly Sustainability Week from April 15–19, 2024.
“These are just a few of the noteworthy events on the UN Sustainable Development Calendar. With a headline event on debt sustainability, the week will centre on sustainability topics in industries like tourism, transportation, energy, and infrastructure,” Francis said.
The G77+China Summit is the largest and most diverse group in the UN, that plays a critical role in forming a new, inclusive global. It is being hosted at Speke Resort Munyonyo from January 21–22, 2024.
