Peru assumed the G77 and China chairmanship in Geneva from Cambodia as the coalition of developing nations faces cascading trade and development challenges and prepares for the 16th UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16).
©UNCTAD Photo | UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Deputy Secretary-General Pedro Manuel Moreno (left) with Cristobal Melgar (middle), Chargé d'Affaires and interim of the Permanent Mission of Peru, and Ambassador Prasith Suon of Cambodia (right) at the G77 and China handover ceremony on 28 January at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. See all the photos.
Cambodia handed over the Group of G77 and China chairmanship in Geneva to Peru at an official ceremony on 28 January at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
The event was attended by Prasith Suon, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Cambodia in Geneva; Cristobal Melgar, Chargé d’Affaires and interim for the Permanent Mission of Peru in Geneva; and Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
Established in 1964, the same year as UNCTAD, the G77 and China — a coalition of 135 developing nations — has been instrumental in advancing the Global South’s trade and development priorities while fostering South-South cooperation.
Over the past 60 years, the group has played a key role in shaping development-focused economic policies and advocating for fairer trade rules.
Strengthening collective action to tackle development challenges
In his opening statement, Mr. Moreno underscored the group’s vital role in promoting multilateralism, saying that collective action is key to tackling development challenges.
“It is precisely through multilateral cooperation that we can address the shared challenges and support developing countries in their transition to resilient, sustainable and inclusive economies,” he said.
Mr. Moreno commended Cambodia’s leadership. “The challenges of coordinating such a large and diverse constituency require leadership, which Cambodia has demonstrated with distinction.”
The UN Trade and Development deputy also congratulated Peru on its appointment as the group’s new chair, saying the country's chairmanship will play a pivotal role in the negotiating process ahead.
Building on solid foundations to drive progress and transformation
Cambodian Ambassador Prasith Suon expressed confidence that Peru’s leadership will continue to strengthen the group’s global influence. “Under their leadership, I am confident we will continue to drive progress and transformation for the Global South.”
Representing Peru, Mr. Melgar committed to building on the foundations laid by Cambodia to tackle pressing challenges facing developing countries.
“Our focus will be on fostering solidarity, promoting sustainable development and advancing the interests of the Global South,” he said. “Together, we can continue to drive meaningful change and ensure that the Group of 77 remains a powerful advocate for the Global South.”
Navigating global trade in a changing world and preparing for UNCTAD16
The handover comes at a pivotal moment, as the G77 and China prepares for the 16th UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16), set to take place in Viet Nam in October 2025.
A G77 member and development success story, Viet Nam is a testament to how trade and development can transform economies and people’s lives – a theme that will be central to UNCTAD16.
Held every four years, the conference is UN Trade and Development’s highest decision-making body. It will determine the organization’s mandate and work plan through 2029. G77 position papers will play a crucial role in the lead-up to the conference.
As global challenges mount – ranging from the climate crisis, geopolitical conflicts and trade tensions to deepening inequalities and soaring public debt – coordinated efforts among the Global South are more critical than ever.
“I am confident that Peru's chairmanship, supported by all members of the Group of 77 and China, will play a pivotal role in the negotiating process ahead,” Mr. Moreno said.