The forthcoming Group of 77 plus China (G77+China) Summit in Havana promises to be an instrumental gathering aimed at addressing the pivotal development challenges confronting the Global South nations. As a bloc that champions the causes and concerns of the developing world, the summit is slated to release a definitive declaration delineating the bloc’s overarching objectives and core principles. Key diplomats and experts have underscored the significance of a united front among Global South nations to effectively counter pressing challenges.
A high-level representation from China will see Li Xi, from the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, attending the summit on behalf of the Chinese President, Xi Jinping. This was confirmed by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, showcasing China’s commitment to the objectives of the summit.
Mao Ning, the spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, conveyed China’s anticipations for the summit during a press conference: “China anticipates the summit to bolster unity, foster tighter cooperation, and evolve a collective strategy to address challenges among developing countries.” He added that China is primed to collaborate with Cuba and the broader G77 community to defend the shared rights and interests of the developing nations.
The G77, which had its inception in 1964, now boasts a membership exceeding 130 nations. The leadership mantle of the group is rotated among its members, based on regional tenets, encompassing Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This year witnesses Cuba at the helm of the G77, orchestrating a summit that will assemble over 100 national delegations, inclusive of approximately 30 heads of state or government, as media reports indicate.
Intriguingly, while China is not an official G77 member, it has unfailingly advocated for the group’s equitable stances and legitimate aspirations, nurturing a harmonious collaboration within the “G77 and China” framework.
The thematic focus of this year’s summit, as elucidated by Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister, Bruno Rodriguez, is: “current development challenges: the role of science, technology, and innovation.” The summit intends to delve deeply into the quintessential development conundrums facing the world today.
A slew of global leaders will grace the summit, including luminaries like Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Argentine President Alberto Fernandez, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Antonio Guterres, the esteemed Secretary-General of the UN.
Miguel Díaz-Canel, the Cuban president, encapsulated the spirit of the summit, stating, “From the Havana Summit, our allegiance to multilateralism, cooperation, and development will be resoundingly reaffirmed.”
Song Wei, an esteemed professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University, emphasized the current geopolitical intricacies, highlighting the mounting pressure on Global South nations to carve out a broader development horizon amid escalating geopolitical contestations. He pointed out the overt biases exhibited by Western nations, particularly the US, towards countries like Cuba that diverge from their political perspectives. The frequent imposition of sanctions, he argues, significantly hampers the progress of these developing nations.
A poignant observation was made by the Cuban Ambassador to China, Alberto J. Blanco Silva, during a media interaction. He delineated the G77 as the most extensive multilateral coordination entity, representing a staggering 80% of the global population and over two-thirds of the UN member states. This includes some of the behemoths of the global economy. The intent, as reported by Chinese media house Caixin, is for Cuba to harness this summit to amplify the voice of the G77 in the prevailing international landscape.
The ambassador shed light on the foundational stance of the “G77 plus China”, which is the envisioning of a world steeped in justice, inclusivity, and international camaraderie. Discussing the summit’s theme, he accentuated the criticality of scientific and technological evolution for sustainable development. Yet, the current global economic framework perpetuates the sidelining of numerous developing countries, leading to stark consequences. He emphasized the urgency to recalibrate this deeply skewed and undemocratic system.
Expert insights from Jiang Shixue, a professor at Shanghai University, underscored the enhanced participation in this year’s summit. He emphasized that representatives not only from G77 countries but also from the Non-Aligned Movement and BRICS are anticipated. The goal is to project a unified voice for the developing nations.
“The Global South must fortify its solidarity to address global concerns and covert maneuvers by the developed world,” remarked Jiang.
Song Wei further elaborated that the amplified focus on the Global South mirrors the discontentment prevalent among many developing nations towards the existing global governance mechanisms. These nations are increasingly prioritizing their indigenous development agendas.
Highlighting China’s role, the Cuban ambassador recognized its dual stature as a leading global economy and as a nation with invaluable insights into fostering sustainable development via technological innovation. He lauded China for its proactive contributions to the developmental agenda of the Global South.
The Havana Summit, therefore, stands poised to be a significant milestone, reaffirming the shared commitment to unity, cooperation, and development among the Global South nations.
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