27 September 2019: The 43rd annual meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Group of 77 and China (G-77/China) reaffirmed the importance of multilateralism and expressed support for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Speakers also recognized challenges in securing adequate funding for the UN.

The ministers convened on 27 September 2019, in New York, US, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly’s (UNGA) high-level week, including the general debate of its 74th session.

Palestine serves as G-77/China’s chair for 2019. Prime Minister of Palestine Mohammad Shtayyeh said G-77/ China embodies “multilateralism at its best every single day.” He emphasized that the Group has translated into action the 2030 Agenda’s pledge to leave no one behind by asserting the rights of developing countries while helping them to assume their responsibilities, in particular for African countries, the least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) and small island developing States (SIDS) as well as middle-income countries (MICs), conflict and post-conflict countries, and countries and peoples living under foreign occupation. Shtayyeh highlighted the Group’s leading role in promoting the preservation of the ocean and the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ).

Shtayyeh noted the Group’s strong stance on combatting climate change, which disproportionately burdens developing countries.

Reflecting on the UN’s high-level meetings and summits, Shtayyeh highlighted the Group’s commitment to address means of implementation (MOI) and financing for development (FfD), as well as its “strong stance on combating climate change and its adverse impacts,” which he said disproportionately burden developing countries. The Chair expressed the Group’s commitment to work with the UN Secretary-General to implement the UN Development System reform agenda, pointing to the Group’s “leading role in efforts to address the financial situation” of the UN. Shtayyeh called on the UN Secretary-General to advance a comprehensive strategy to improve geographic representation at the UN.

UNGA President Tijjani Muhammad-Bande said advancing sustainable development is a top priority for UNGA 74. He expressed his commitment to work with G-77/China on all 17 SDGs and highlighted key priorities, including “poverty eradication, quality education, climate action, and inclusion,” as well as ensuring necessary engagement from all stakeholders to ensure no one is left behind, including through the full participation of women and youth. Muhammad-Bande underscored the importance of adequate funding for the UN to carry out its responsibilities, stressing that UNGA 74 will play a “tremendous role” in addressing financing challenges.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres underlined that support for “effective and just” multilateralism is more important than ever. Guterres told G-77/China, “your priorities are my priorities,” including eradicating poverty and achieving the SDGs, winning the race against climate change, achieving gender equality, creating opportunities for young people, and ensuring peace and human rights for all. He welcomed the Group’s role at the “forefront of efforts” to implement the Paris Agreement on climate change and the 2030 Agenda, as well as for holding the international community accountable for adhering to common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR). Guterres further thanked the Group for their pledges and commitments at the Climate Action Summit, the SDG Summit and at the UNGA’s High-Level Dialogue on FfD, and called for a strong focus on resilience, financing for adaptation and a significant replenishment of the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

Guterres reflected that the world is “starting to turn a corner,” pointing to young people and businesses moving forward, but cited serious challenges remaining. He stressed a critical need to fill the USD1.5 trillion financing gap per year for the SDGs, including by reversing trends of decreased foreign direct investment (FDI) and continuing support for countries to tackle illicit financial flows (IFFs). Guterres said the review of progress on the SAMOA Pathway for SIDS’ sustainable development made clear that “they are a special case and a top priority.”

Finally, Guterres highlighted the financial crisis affecting the UN’s efforts. Without immediate action, he said he can “no longer guarantee the smooth functioning of the Organization.” Guterres urged the Group to “help put the UN on a solid financing footing.”

The G/77 and China welcomed Azerbaijan as a new member of the Group at the meeting by acclamation. [UN Secretary-General’s Statement] [G-77/China Chair Statement] [Meeting Webcast] [UNGA President’s Statement]