Kenya has assumed the chairship of the G77 and China, Vienna Chapter.
Kenya Ambassador to Austria Maurice Makoloo took over the chairship on February 4 from Ambassador Laura Gil, the Permanent Representative of Colombia.
“This is a moment for consolidation of the progress we have made, of the partnerships we have built, of the unity that has defined us,” Ambassador Makoloo said.
Kenya’s assumption of the G77 and China chairmanship in Vienna is a historic milestone, marking only the second time Kenya has held this esteemed position. It first held the position in 1979.
The embassy in a social media post said following his nomination by the Africa Group and unanimous endorsement, Amb. Makoloo, who is also Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna, will lead the group this year.
“The handover ceremony at the UN Headquarters in Vienna was attended by: H.E. Ghada Fathi Waly, the DG of UNOV & UNODC, H.E. Gerd Müller DG of UNIDO, Senior officials from IAEA, UNOOSA, CTBTO, and UNCITRAL. Delegations from UN members states, Kenya Embassy staff and Kenyans working at the UN were also present,” the embassy said.
The handing over ceremony, held at the UN headquarters in Vienna was graced by the Director General of United Nations Office in Vienna & United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
BUILDING BRIDGES AND MULTILATERALISM
Amb. Makoloo emphasized the importance of building bridges across regions, cultures, and ideologies as he outlined his vision for the group.
“Strengthening South-South cooperation is not just an option; it is an imperative. Working together with our partners in the Global North is not just beneficial; it is necessary. Deepening our engagement with the Vienna-based organizations is not just strategic; it is critical to our shared success,” he said.
Acknowledging the existing global challenges, Makoloo called for renewed hope in multilateralism, deeper South-South cooperation, and stronger engagement with global partners.
“Now is not the time to lament how much the world has changed. Now is the time to reignite hope—hope in the ability of nations to bridge divides, hope in multilateralism as a force for good, hope in the boundless potential of collaboration,” he said.
CHINA SUPPORT
In a video message, Kenya Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to effectively leading the G-77 Vienna Chapter and strengthening its role, highlighting the pressing global challenges that require a strong, unified voice to achieve effective and equitable solutions.
China Ambassador Li Song congratulated Amb Makoloo and said Beijing will fully support his work.
“I believe that the G77 and China will continue actively engaging on the Vienna multilateral platform, further strengthening the positive momentum of developing countries joining forces for self-strengthening and common development,” Amb Song said.
“Looking ahead to 2025, the international situation is facing increasing instability and uncertainty, with unilateralism and protectionism presenting new severe challenges to the United Nations and the developing world. We firmly believe that peace, development and win-win cooperation are the trends of the times and the aspirations of the people, and are also the common pursuit of the Global South,” the envoy added.
G77 AND CHINA
“Several delegations acknowledged the immense responsibility of chairing the group and expressed full confidence in Kenya’s ability to steer G77 & China towards its mission of advancing development cooperation for the Global South,” the statement added.
The G77 and China established in 1964 is a coalition of 134 developing countries working together to promote their collective interests and strengthen their negotiating capacity within the UN.
It has seven chapters in New York, Geneva, Vienna, Nairobi, Washington DC, Paris and Rome.
The embassy added that Amb. Makoloo will lead the group’s engagement with Vienna-based UN organizations, advocating more equitable and sustainable development in the areas of space governance, industrial development, control of drugs and crime, as well as nuclear and scientific cooperation.
We extend our deepest gratitude for the trust placed in Kenya and look forward to a productive year of collaboration and advocacy for the collective interests of the Global South.
