The G77 plus China has called for urgent action at the ongoing “Summit for the Future” held at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Uganda’s Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, presented a statement on behalf of the group, emphasizing the need for global leaders to recommit to international cooperation through the “Pact for the Future.”
Uganda, as the current Chair of the G77 plus China, leads the largest intergovernmental organization of developing nations in the UN, focused on promoting collective economic interests and enhancing South-South cooperation. Nabbanja highlighted that the global landscape has changed drastically since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and progress has been slow. She pointed to the growing gap between developed and developing countries, compounded by an unfair international economic system.
The Prime Minister stressed that the “Pact for the Future” should not be another symbolic gesture, but must reflect real political will to address current global challenges, particularly for the Global South. She called for multilateral solutions and emphasized the need for developing countries to receive adequate support, especially in areas like climate change adaptation, capacity building, technology transfer, and financial resources.
Nabbanja also urged global leaders to take concrete actions to prevent poverty by creating resilient social protection systems and empowering women and girls in science, technology, innovation, and leadership.
The Kenyan President, Dr. William Ruto, echoed these concerns, demanding Africa’s permanent representation on the UN Security Council. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed optimism that the Pact for the Future could address many of today’s pressing issues. Nabbanja was accompanied by several Ugandan officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Gen. Jeje Odong, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Okello Oryem, and Ambassador Adonia Ayebare.
The summit aims to produce an action-oriented Pact for the Future, covering sustainable development, international peace and security, science and technology, and global governance transformation.
