- Acronym: G77
- Type: Coalition of Developing Nations
- Membership: 134 member states
- Establishment: Established on 15 June 1964
- Official Language(s): English
- Headquarters: Not fixed; the chairmanship rotates annually among member countries
The Group of 77 (G77) is a coalition of developing nations designed to promote its members’ collective economic interests and create an enhanced joint negotiating capacity within the United Nations. Although the name suggests 77 members, the organization has since expanded to 134 countries, making it the largest coalition of developing nations in the UN.
Group of 77 History
The G77 was founded on 15 June 1964 by the “Joint Declaration of the Seventy-Seven Countries” issued at the end of the first session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva. Initially, the organization’s goal was to articulate and promote the collective economic interests of its members and enhance their joint negotiating capacity on major international economic issues within the United Nations system.
Group of 77 Structure
The G77 does not have a formal institutional structure. The machinery of the G77 is led by the country holding the Chairmanship, which rotates on a regional basis (between Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean) every year. The work of the G77 is directly related to the UN agenda and follows the UN’s meeting schedule.
Group of 77 Membership
The G77 is open to all developing nations, and it currently includes 134 member countries from Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean. It is the largest coalition of developing nations in the UN, giving a voice to about two-thirds of the UN’s membership and over 80% of the world’s population.
Group of 77 Objectives
Promoting Economic Cooperation
One of the primary aims of the G77 is to promote economic cooperation among developing countries to create a collective voice and enhance their negotiating power in the United Nations.
Advocating for Development Issues
The G77 advocates for development issues that are critical to the interests of developing countries, including trade, investment, and technology transfer.
Fostering South-South Cooperation
The organization promotes South-South cooperation for development, encouraging cooperation among developing countries themselves.
Group of 77 Funding
The G77 operates with contributions from its member states. The funding is primarily used for coordination activities, meetings, and projects that further the group’s collective interests.
Group of 77 Projects
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Advocacy
The G77 plays a significant role in advocating for the SDGs and ensuring that the interests and concerns of developing countries are considered in the global agenda.
Climate Change Negotiations
The G77 is actively involved in climate change negotiations, ensuring that the voice of developing countries is heard in international forums like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Group of 77 Members
Member States
The G77 includes 134 member countries from across Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean. It represents a wide spectrum of countries with varying levels of development and economic interests.
The G77 continues to be a vital forum for developing countries to articulate and promote their collective economic interests and enhance their ability to negotiate with developed countries on major international economic issues. Through its efforts, the G77 contributes significantly to shaping the global economic and development agenda, ensuring that the voices of developing countries are heard and considered on the global stage.