BY: Hana Saada
Havana, September 18, 2023 – The Group of 77 and China (G77+China) summit wrapped up at the Havana Convention Center on Saturday with a resounding call to promote multilateralism and international cooperation. The gathering of nations, representing over two-thirds of the world’s population, issued a Final Declaration underscoring the urgency of reforming the international financial architecture and eliminating extraterritorial economic measures against developing countries.
The Cuban Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero, hailed the summit as a beacon of hope for the world’s underprivileged, stating, “During these days, Cuba has been the capital of the South, the space of eternal hope, the home of those who receive the least of the world’s wealth even though they have contributed the most to it.”
The Summit’s Final Declaration, a culmination of thoughtful deliberations, emphasizes “the urgent need for a comprehensive reform of the international financial architecture and a more inclusive and coordinated approach to global financial governance.” In a clear stance against unilateral sanctions and extraterritorial regulations, the declaration reads, “We reject the imposition of laws and regulations with extraterritorial impact and all other forms of coercive economic measures, including unilateral sanctions against developing countries, and we reaffirm the urgent need to eliminate them immediately.”
The G77+China members also expressed their unwavering commitment to fostering unity and solidarity within the group to achieve its goals and amplify its role on the global stage. This pledge reflects the determination of these nations to work together in addressing pressing global challenges, including climate change, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development.
In a significant move, the summit designated September 16 as the “Day of Science, Technology and Innovation in the Global South,” underscoring the importance of innovation in driving socio-economic progress and sustainable development across developing nations.
Rodolfo Benitez, the director general of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commented on the success of the Havana summit, noting, “We can say that the Havana summit was a success.” He further emphasized that G77 member states sought to reshape the current world order to create models of development that better suit their unique needs and circumstances.
Cuba assumed the rotating presidency of the G77 in January, marking the beginning of its leadership within the group. Looking ahead, the next G77+China summit is scheduled to take place in Kampala, Uganda, in January 2024. This forthcoming meeting promises to build upon the commitments and aspirations set forth in Havana, reinforcing the message of cooperation, solidarity, and equitable development that resonated throughout this landmark summit.
