Secretary-General, Addressing Group of 77 Ministers, Calls for Bloc’s Help

 

in Meeting Existing Development Commitments, Setting Post-2015 Targets

 

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks to the Annual Ministerial Meeting of the Group of 77 and China, in New York on 23 September:

Let me begin by expressing my appreciation to His Excellency Foreign Minister Héctor Marcos Timerman of Argentina for his leadership of this Group.  I also congratulate His Excellency Foreign Minister Mourad Medelci of Algeria on assuming the chairmanship next year.

Allow me to welcome Nauru to this important coalition.  I am just back from the Pacific Islands, where I witnessed the challenges facing small island developing countries, especially climate change.  Your participation in the Group of 77 can contribute to our collective response.

All eyes are on the United Nations this week.  Leaders from around the world have pronounced themselves on the pressing issues of our day.  We will hear from many more in the days to come.

Development is at the heart of the debate.  And development is an arena where the Group of 77 and China play a pivotal role.

We face many challenges:  uncertainties in the global economy; increased volatility in international financial markets; rising food prices worldwide; famine in the Horn of Africa; and natural disasters that threaten security and development.

Youth across the world lack the opportunities they deserve.  Many are understandably frustrated.  Their anxiety can lead to unrest, but with help and support, it can also be channelled into a force for positive change.

We have to respond to the aspirations of the world’s youth and all people who are seeking better economic, social, environmental and political conditions.  In this volatile and changing world, we cannot disappoint the many millions who look to the United Nations with hope.

Amid all the uncertainties, we are sure of one imperative:  that is to promote sustainable development.  The Group of 77 and China have already shaped the international consensus at previous major United Nations conferences.  Next year, we can build on this progress at the “ Rio+20” United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.

A year ago, world leaders meeting at our Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Summit reaffirmed their commitments to collective action that works.  But we still need to do more to boost official development assistance, facilitate technical assistance and share best practices.  I urge you to continue your dialogue with donors to overcome obstacles so that all partners meet their commitments.

We have to build on the great progress we have achieved, while also acknowledging where we are lagging.  The wealth gap is growing.  More and more people find their jobs at risk.  Fewer people can find decent work.  It is especially tough for young people.

But there are positive trends we can build on.  Developing countries are increasingly sources of global economic growth.  Large emerging economies are leading the current post-crisis recovery.  South-South cooperation has growing potential.  The Programme of Action adopted at this year’s Least Developed Countries Conference in Istanbul deserves full support.

Even as we try to accelerate progress towards the MDGs, we have to begin planning a new generation of sustainable development goals to build on the success of the Millennium Development Goals.  The MDGs were visionary and ambitious when they were adopted, but even then we knew they went only halfway towards our ultimate goal of a world free of poverty.

Today, I am counting on the Group of 77 and China to help us move on two tracks.  First, honouring — as fast as we possibly can — our existing commitments and agreements.  And second, looking ahead to the period after 2015, when we need to set new targets and aim for fresh goals.

In all of our efforts, let us be guided by the shared resolve to create a world where people live free from want and fear.

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For information media • not an official record