26 September 2008: Speaking at the thirty-second meeting of
the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Group of 77 (G-77), Baldwin Spencer,
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda and Chair
of the G-77, welcomed the Group’s continued efforts to strengthen its
solidarity and unity in advancing its development agenda. Referring to the
recent debates on climate change, he warned that the position of developed
countries with respect to development cooperation does not bode well, noting
that it will be “a tough battle.”

He recalled the G-77’s position that climate
change threatens sustainable development and that its three pillars should be
promoted in an integrated, coordinated and balanced manner. He called on developed
countries to adhere to the Rio Principles, in particular that of common but
differentiated responsibilities, and to fulfill their commitments under the
UNFCCC. Spencer expressed concern over the Bali Road Map and Plan of Action,
stating that the process underway is not progressing with the necessary sense
of urgency required to reach a satisfactory outcome in Copenhagen in December
2009.
On the Millennium Development Goals and the failure of the WTO
negotiations, he reiterated the Group’s call on the international community to
fully and effectively implement the agreed goals and commitments of the past
two decades, in particular the pledges made to assist Africa. In this context,
he outlined and welcomed recent progress achieved towards enhanced South-South
cooperation, noting this dimension of multilateralism is a continuing process
that is vital to confront the challenges faced by the South. [The Statement]