New york: The Group of 77 and China is a strong pillar of multilateralism, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday. Speaking at the handover ceremony of the chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China, Guterres highlighted the global challenges faced at the beginning of the year, including conflicts, widening inequalities, mounting debt burdens, and an erosion of trust.

According to Namibia Press Agency - English, Guterres emphasized the ongoing climate chaos impacting lives and livelihoods and reversing development gains. He pointed out the rapid pace of technological advancement outstripping the ability to ensure equitable benefits, stressing the strain on international cooperation despite global challenges that require collective solutions. The UN chief underscored the significance of multilateralism and the indispensable role of the Group of 77 and China in promoting cooperation in an interconnected, multipolar world.

The secretary-general urged the international community to commit to Sustainable Development Goals, address the climate emergency with necessary urgency and justice, transform the digital age into a tool for inclusion, and fortify the United Nations.

UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock noted the unprecedented strain on the multilateral system and the UN. She addressed the impact of political polarization and financial pressures on global discussions and operations, affecting the people the UN serves. Baerbock called for courage in defending the UN Charter and convictions, highlighting the crucial role of the Group of 77 and China.

According to Baerbock, the Group of 77 and China includes 134 countries from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, representing over 80 percent of the world's population, including many least developed countries, small island developing states, and emerging economic powerhouses.

At the ceremony, Uruguay assumed the chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China from Iraq for the year 2026.