United Nations (Web Desk): Pakistan has emphasized three crucial priorities for the G-77 and China, a major group of developing nations at the United Nations (UN), to help members reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), alleviate poverty, and address the challenges posed by climate change.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the transition of G-77 leadership to Iraq, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Munir Akram, highlighted the importance of ensuring adequate development finance, revitalizing trade to spur economic growth, and aligning technological advancements with SDGs and climate targets.
Ambassador Akram pointed out that the world is facing a growing divide, with over 800 million people living in extreme poverty.
He also noted that climate disasters are now affecting both developed and developing nations, underscoring the global urgency of addressing climate change as an existential threat.
Ambassador Akram urged the international community to take concrete steps in these critical areas to improve the lives of the world’s most vulnerable populations.
He drew attention to the vast financial gaps that hinder progress, specifically the $4.3 trillion needed for SDGs and the $1.5 trillion required to address climate-related issues.
To bridge these gaps, Akram called for enhanced financial support, including scaling up grants, concessional loans, and urgent debt relief measures for developing countries. He also proposed the reallocation of 50% of the 2021 allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to help alleviate financial pressures on these nations.
The Pakistan's UN envoy said that trade plays a pivotal role in economic growth, particularly for developing countries seeking to improve their standing in the global economy.
He emphasized the need for expanded market access for exports from these nations while also preparing for potential trade protectionism.
Furthermore, Akram stressed the importance of ensuring that access to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, is equitable, as these innovations will shape the future of both economies and international relations.
He urged the implementation of long-standing commitments made in various international agreements, such as the UN’s 2030 Agenda and the Addis Ababa Action Plan, and called on the global community to take decisive action on behalf of the Global South.
These initiatives, the Pakistani envoy argued, are essential for fostering a more inclusive and sustainable world, where developing nations can overcome the challenges of poverty and climate change.
The G-77, formed on June 15, 1964, with 77 founding members, is the largest coalition of developing countries at the UN, now comprising 134 nations.
Its main goal is to unite the Global South in promoting shared economic interests, strengthening negotiation power on global economic issues, and fostering South-South cooperation for development.
The group advocates for fairer global policies that benefit developing nations, addressing key concerns like trade, finance, and climate change.
