SOUTH BULLETIN Published by the South Centre ● www.southcentre.int ● 25 July 2014, Issue 81 G77 celebrates 50th anniversary  Summit in Santa Cruz—leaders recall G77’s achievements & pledge to continue struggle for development & a new world order  Celebration events in Geneva, Nairobi, Rome, Bonn

Bolivia Bolivia Como Va

At the Opening Ceremony of the G77 Summit in Santa Cruz to commemorate the Group’s founding 50 years ago.

At G77 Summit, leaders Evo Morales’ commit to continue battle for speech at the a fairer world  Pages 2-3 G77 Summit

 Pages 21-25 G77 Summit Declaration a left green Weekly worthy marking of 50th G77 celebrations in Geneva, Nairobi, Rome and Bonn  Pages 26-32 anniversary  Pages 4-20, 25 UNCTAD celebrates 50th XVII NAM Ministerial Conference anniversary  Page 33 in Algiers  Pages 34-36 Also present were the UN Secreta- ry-General Ban Ki-moon who spoke at G77 Summit celebrates the the opening ceremony and stayed for almost the whole day at the plenary of the following day, as well as UN Ge- Group’s 50th anniversary neral Assembly President John Ashe, who also spoke at the opening and The Group of 77 was formed on 15 June 1964 during the first stayed for the plenary. UNCTAD Conference. On 14-15 June 2014, the Group cele- The Summit adopted a 39-page brated its 50th anniversary at an Extraordinary Summit held in Declaration with 242 paragraphs, Santa Cruz, Bolivia, and hosted by President Evo Morales, structured into five main parts, with whose country is currently the Chair of the G77 and China. Be- the following themes: Overall Con- low is an overview of the Summit by Martin Khor, Executive Di- text; Development in the National Context; South-South Cooperation; rector of the South Centre. Global Challenges; and Particular needs of developing countries in special situations. The highlight of the Opening Cere- mony, held on 14 June night, was a well-structured and rousing address by President Evo Morales who traced the political history of the G77 and China and the developing countries, gave details of the current crises facing the world and the developing coun- tries, and presented the positive expe- rience of Bolivian development in re- cent years.

Bolivia Como Va Como Bolivia He then enumerated “several tasks” that needed to be done to “build another world and establish the living-well society.” These included:

 Living well in harmony with Mother Earth; At the opening ceremony of the G77 Summit.  Sovereignty over natural re- he Extraordinary Summit of the Present at the Summit were Presi- sources and other areas; T G77 and China to commemorate dents or Prime Ministers from Equato-  Well-being for everyone and the 50th anniversary of the Group con- rial Guinea, Fiji, Argentina, Cuba, Vene- provision of basic needs as a human cluded on the night of 15 June after two zuela, Peru, Ecuador, Zimbabwe, Uru- right; days of high-spirited speeches by lea- guay, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, El Salva- ders of the South and discussions on dor, Gabon, Namibia, Swaziland, Santa  Emancipation from the existing past achievements and the present Lucia, and Vice Presidents from Iran international financial system and challenges facing developing countries. (who also represented the Non-Aligned construction of a new financial archi- Movement), Algeria, Zambia, Tanzania, tecture; The theme of the Summit, “Towards Costa Rica. China was represented by a New World Order for Living Well”,  Build a major economic, scienti- the Vice Chair of the National People’s was elaborated in detail by Bolivian fic, technological and cultural part- Congress. President Evo Morales Ayma, at his nership among members of the G77 opening speech, and the term “living Also present were Ministers of and China; well” was referred to often by several Foreign Affairs or other departments  Eradicate hunger from around leaders during the course of the mee- from many countries including Ugan- the world; ting. da, Brazil, Malaysia, Nepal, Sudan, Botswana, East Timor, Qatar, Tunisia,  President Morales impressed the Strengthen the sovereignty of Chile, Paraguay, Nicaragua, Laos, Do- participants not only with his quiet states from foreign interference, inter- minican Republic, Philippines, Trinidad but eloquent statements and his im- vention and espionage; and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, mediate responses to the speeches of Saudi Arabia, Mozambique, Kenya,  Democratic renewal of deve- many leaders, but also by the fact that Dominica, Morocco, as well as Vice loping states; and he personally chaired most of the ple- Ministers and Ambassadors of many nary session on the second day that  A new world rising from the other countries. lasted 13 hours non-stop. South for the whole of humankind.

Page 2 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 Cooperation Institute, “charged with ment of the Group, the present pro- the provision of technical assistance to blems and crises faced by the deve- the Southern countries, as well as the loping countries in their national stri- further implementation of the proposals ving for development and in the tur- made by the G77 and China.” bulent global economy, and the need for better strategy and implementation The institute will also supply techni- of actions collectively by the Group. cal and capacity building assistance for development and self-determination, One major theme, which was first AFP/Aizar Raldes AFP/Aizar and it will help conduct research pro- introduced by Morales, was the need jects, and he proposed the institute be for developing countries to take back headquartered in Bolivia. control over their mineral and natural resources, and to make use of the in- Mr. Ban Ki-moon in his opening

creased revenues for the country’s speech said the G77 and China had social and economic programmes. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addressing given the South a global voice, and the the Summit opening ceremony. Group provides an immense contribu- He recalled the experience of Boli- tion to the UN. He told President Mo- via in the nationalisation of natural “The time has come for the nations rales that he appreciated his vision of gas and hydrocarbon resources and of the South,” he stated in concluding Living Well, as development based on how this had led to much increased his speech. “In the past we were colo- living well is humanity living in harmo- state revenues that could drive social nised and enslaved. Today with every ny with Nature and with each other. progress. step we take for our liberation, the em- pires grow decadent and begin to The Secretary General said the SDGs One head of government, in res- crumble. However our liberation is not require Global Partnership and the G77 ponse, said that this story of Bolivia just the emancipation of the peoples of has a key role to ensure its effec- had been very inspiring, and that he the South, it is also for the whole hu- tiveness. The Group should press for a would explore implementing a similar manity.” fair trade regime, technology transfer policy on his return to his country. and so on. The G77 and China plays a The Summit participants were also “Only we can save the source of life key role in the UN to formulate a post entertained at the opening and at the and society, Mother Earth. Our planet 2015 Development Agenda. is under a death threat…Today another presidential dinner with many colour- world is not only possible but indis- General Assembly President John ful traditional dance performances pensable. Today another world is in- Ashe gave his appreciation of the role and by songs by famous Bolivian sin- dispensable because otherwise no of the G77 and China, of which he had gers and bands. himself been the Chair some years ago, world will be possible.” The plenary and the Summit con- and stressed the importance of the cluded at 10 p.m. on 15 June after hea- “And that world of equality, com- Group in the UN, and he wished the ring statements of almost a hundred plementarity and organic coexistence Group success in the years ahead. with Mother Earth can only emerge countries, and the adoption of the from the thousands of languages, co- In the plenary session on 15 June, Declaration. President Morales chaired a discussion lours and cultures existing in brother- hood among the peoples of the South.” by heads of states and governments, which often became an interactive ex- Contact the author at: Morales also proposed establishing change of views that combined remem- [email protected] . a Decolonisation and South-South brances of the formation and develop-

www.g77bolivia.com

Group picture of leaders and delegates during the G77 and China Summit in Bolivia

Page 3 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 Summit plenary session on 15 June first by Bolivia’s Ambassador to the G77 Summit Declaration a worthy UN, Sacha Llorenti, and then by Boli- vian President Evo Morales. (Bolivia holds the current Chairmanship of the marking of 50th anniversary Group). Both gave a summary and The G77 & China Extraordinary Summit adopted a lengthy explanation of the Declaration, before Declaration to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the the adoption. Group of 77. This is the first part of a report on the Declaration. The Summit was attended by seve- ral Presidents, Prime Ministers, Vice By Martin Khor But the Declaration also breaks new Presidents and Ministers as well as ground with a lengthy section on Ambassadors, the UN Secretary Gene- he Declaration adopted on 15 June “development in the national context”, ral Ban Ki-moon, UN General Assem- T in Santa Cruz by the Group of 77 in which the political leaders pledge to bly President John Ashe, and the Summit is a valuable and quite re- improve the performance of their go- heads of several UN agencies, inclu- markable document which encom- vernments in economic and social af- ding DESA, UNESCO, and CEPAL. passes the political state of thinking of fairs at the national level. In the Declaration’s Part I on Ove- leaders of the South as they commemo- rall Context, the political leaders said rated the 50th anniversary of the foun- The Declaration indicates that the they commemorate the formation of ding of this umbrella grouping of deve- leaders and other senior officials of the Group on 15 June 1964 and recall loping countries. It is a document wor- developing countries have internalised the ideals and principles contained in thy of marking the 50th anniversary of the sustainable development frame- the historic Joint Declaration. The first the founding of the G77. work, as it incorporates the economic issues (economic growth, industrialisa- ever G77 statement pledged to pro- As can be expected, the Declaration tion, infrastructure, agriculture) with mote equality in the international summarises the position of the Group social and environmental dimensions; economic and social order and pro- on key issues of current international it has a strong social inclusion or social mote the interests of the developing affairs, which can be expected in a protection element (particularly stres- world, declared their unity under a declaration of the G77 and China since sing the importance of the state ensu- common interest and defined the the Group’s main activity is to nego- ring basic services for all citizens); it Group as “an instrument for enlarging tiate as the largest bloc of countries in stressed also the environmental aspects the area of cooperative endeavour in multilateral and North-South settings especially the need to respect Mother the international field and for securing in the United Nations. Earth; as well as the need for the state mutually beneficent relationships with the rest of the world”. This section on the international to claim control and ensure the sove- issues sets out the developing coun- reignty of natural resources so that They also recalled the first Ministe- tries’ latest views on current negotia- benefits can properly accrue to the na- rial Meeting of the Group of 77 in Al- ting themes such as the Sustainable tional economy and society. It also has giers in October 1964 which adopted Development Goals and the Post-2015 a section on improving the practice of the Charter of Algiers, which establis- Development Agenda, as well as the democracy. hed the principles of unity, comple- global economic crisis, ODA, debt, The Declaration, which is mainly a mentarity, cooperation and solidarity trade, reforming the international fi- product of 90 hours of negotiations by of the developing countries and their nancial system, the UN’s role, and in- the Missions of G77 and China coun- determination to strive for economic creasing the South’s voice in global tries in New York, was presented to the and social development, individually governance. or collectively. The Group has since provided the means for the countries of the South to articulate and promote their collective social and economic interests and en- hanced their joint negotiating capacity within the United Nations system. They also recalled the first and se- cond G77 South Summits in Havana in 2000 and Doha in 2005, at which the status of the Group of 77 and China was elevated to the level of Heads of State and Government and whose declarations have guided the Group and constituted the fundamental basis

for the construction of a new world order and an agenda owned by the A beautiful multi-coloured poster formed the background at the G77 Summit. countries of the South.

Page 4 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 They pledged to continue the tradi- we pledge to continue and intensify The leaders emphasized that each tion of their countries on building na- our efforts to strive for a fair, just and country has the sovereign right to de- tional development and uniting at the equitable international order oriented cide its own development priorities international level, towards the esta- towards the fulfilment of the develop- and strategies and consider that there blishment of a just international order ment needs of developing countries,” is no “one size fits all” approach. in the world economy that supports said the Declaration. “We stress the need for internatio- developing countries in achieving their “We emphasize that the rationale nal rules to allow policy space and objectives of sustained economic for the establishment of our Group 50 policy flexibility for developing coun- growth, full employment, social equity, years ago remains actual and valid, tries, as they are directly related to the provision of basic goods and services to and indeed more valid, than at that development strategies of national their people, protection of the environ- time. We therefore rededicate Governments. We further emphasize ment and living in harmony with na- ourselves and our countries to streng- the need for policy space to enable our ture. thening and expanding the unwave- countries to formulate development The leaders said they are proud of ring efforts of the Group of 77 and strategies expressing national interests the legacy and great achievements of China in all fields towards greater and differing needs which are not al- the Group of 77 and China in defen- achievement and for the betterment of ways taken into account by internatio- ding and promoting the interests of the the lives of our people. nal economic policymaking in the pro- developing countries over the past 50 cess of integration with the global “We affirm that the twenty-first years, and pledged to build on this economy.” century is the time for the countries foundation and continue making pro- and the peoples from the South to The leaders made a strong state- gress towards a world order that is just, develop their economies and societies ment on the state of the global econo- equitable, stable and peaceful. They in order to fulfil human needs sustai- my and the need to reform the un- referred to the UN General Assembly nably, in harmony with nature and democratic state of global governance. Declaration on the Establishment of a respect for Mother Earth and its eco- New International Economic Order in “We are concerned about the cur- systems. We agree to build on our tra- 1974 and the Declaration on the Right rent state of the global economy and ditional values and practices of solida- to Development in 1986 as among ma- the state of global economic go- rity and collaboration for mutual bene- jor landmarks that address the needs vernance and the need for strong reco- fit and on the strength of our people, and interests of developing countries. very. We believe that the world is con- to achieve progress in our countries fronted with the worst financial and Despite five decades of and in South-South cooperation. economic crisis since the Great Depres- achievements, there are still serious “We emphasize that our major sion, and we are alarmed by the ad- shortfalls in fulfilling the Group’s ob- priorities are promoting sustained, verse effects this crisis is having es- jectives, and that developing countries inclusive and equitable economic pecially on developing countries. now face ongoing and emerging chal- growth, creating greater opportunities lenges, including the slowdown of the “We believe the crisis has for all, reducing inequalities, raising global economy and its effects on them highlighted long-standing systemic basic standards of living, fostering and the lack of adequate systemic ac- fragilities and imbalances in the global equitable social development and in- tion and accountability to address the economy, and further exposed the clusion, and promoting the integrated causes and effects of the global finan- inadequacy and undemocratic nature and sustainable management of natu- cial and economic crises, thus creating of global economic governance. New ral resources and ecosystems that sup- the risk of continuing with the pattern attempts must now be made to esta- ports, inter alia, economic, social and of crisis cycles, said the Declaration. blish proper global economic go- human development while facilitating vernance, with the full voice, repre- It also noted the gaps in many deve- ecosystem conservation, regeneration sentation and participation of deve- loping countries in meeting the needs and restoration and resilience in the loping countries in discussions and of employment, food, water, health face of new and emerging challenges,” decision-making.” care, education, housing, physical in- said the Declaration. frastructure and energy of their people, The Declaration then focused on The leaders also reaffirmed that the as well as the looming environmental social issues, especially the leaders’ main strength of the Group of 77 has crisis, including the negative impacts of commitment to social protection and been and will be its unity and solidari- climate change in developing countries, called for action against the ty, its vision of fair, just and equitable the increasing shortage of drinking “intolerable” inequalities at global and multilateral relations, the commitment water and the loss of biodiversity. national levels. of its member States to the well-being The leaders stressed that imbalances and prosperity of the peoples of the It said: “We recognize the high in the global economy and the inequi- South as well as their commitment to importance of sustaining social protec- table structures and outcomes in the mutually beneficial cooperation. tion and fostering job creation even in trading, financial, monetary and tech- times of economic crisis, and take note The Declaration then touched on nological systems led to the establish- with satisfaction of the encouraging the issue of “policy space”, a theme ment of the Group. Nevertheless, these examples of policies that allow coun- that permeates most of the later sec- imbalances still prevail today, in some tries to reduce poverty, increase social tions. ways with even more adverse effects inclusion and create new and better on developing countries. “Therefore, jobs in recent years.

Page 5 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 “We view with concern the increa- The leaders said they fully respect knowledge and traditions in our coun- sed concentration and the asymmetric the UN Charter and international law, tries”. distribution of wealth and income in particularly as they relate to equality In Part II on Development in the the world, which have created wide among States, respect for the indepen- national context, the Declaration first inequality between developed and dence of States, national sovereignty, commented on approaches for sustai- developing countries. This level of ine- territorial integrity and non- nable development. quality is unjustifiable and cannot be interference in the internal affairs of tolerated in a world where poverty is States. It stressed the need to further still prevalent, resources are being mainstream sustainable development The Declaration stressed the conti- depleted and environmental degrada- at all levels, integrating economic, so- nuing dependence of the South and tion is increasing. We call for global cial and environmental aspects and pledged to strive for economic inde- actions to reduce inequalities at all le- recognizing their interlinkages, so as pendence. vels. We also pledge to address inequa- to achieve sustainable development in lity in our own countries.” It said: “We are deeply aware that all its dimensions. decades after political independence, The leaders also expressed concern It reaffirmed that there are different some developing countries are still in with the power of large corporations, approaches, visions, models and tools the grip of economic dependence on especially TNCs and asked for compe- available to each country to achieve the structures and vagaries of the glo- tition policies to curb their influence as sustainable development and in some bal economy and on the developed well as actions on their environmental countries there is an approach of countries and their economic entities. and social effects. “living well” as holistic development Such dependence…limits the extent of aimed at achieving the material, cultu- “We note with concern the influence our real political independence as well. ral and spiritual needs of societies in a of large corporations, mainly from Therefore, we pledge to unite our ef- context of harmony with nature. developed countries, on the global forts to continue striving for economic economy, and its negative effects on independence and to gather under the It acknowledged that the Earth and the social, economic and environmental umbrella of the G77 and China as well its ecosystems are our home and it is development of some developing coun- as other organizations of the South to necessary to promote harmony with tries, particularly regarding the barriers make progress on this.” nature and the Earth. It also recogni- this may pose for the entry of new en- zed that “Mother Earth” is a common The leaders recalled the decisions terprises in the global market. expression for planet Earth, which taken at the second South Summit in reflects the interdependence that exists “We call for concrete measures from Doha (2005) to work to ensure that pro- among human beings, other living the international community to address grammes and policies designed in the species and the planet we all inhabit. these negative effects and to promote context of globalization fully respect international competition and increa- the principles and purposes of the UN It reaffirmed the Declaration on the sed market access for developing coun- Charter and international law, particu- Right to Development, which is a ma- tries, including policies that foster the larly as they relate to equality among jor landmark document that esta- growth of small and medium-sized States, and national sovereignty, and blishes the right of developing coun- enterprises in developing countries, the stressed that those principles and pur- tries to act to achieve development removal of trade barriers that inhibit poses inspire their full commitment to and the right of people to participate value addition in origin countries, such multilateralism and the search for a in and benefit from development, and as tariff peaks and tariff escalation, as more just and equitable international that “the right to development is an well as capacity-building on competi- economic system. inalienable human right by virtue of tion law, tax policy regulations and which every person and all peoples They recalled the decision taken at social corporate responsibility. are entitled to participate in, contri- the G77 and China Summit in Doha bute to and enjoy economic, social, “We emphasize that transnational (2005) to work towards the realization cultural and political development, in corporations have a responsibility to of the right to self-determination of which all human rights and funda- respect all human rights and should peoples living under colonial or other mental freedoms can be fully rea- refrain from causing environmental forms of alien domination or foreign lized.” disasters and affecting the well-being occupation and to call on the interna- of peoples.” tional community to take all necessary On improving the practice of de- measures to bring an end to the conti- mocracy, the Declaration considered On the sustainable development nuation of foreign occupation. that democracy is a universal value agenda, the Declaration recognized the based on the freely expressed will of progress achieved and reaffirmed the They reaffirmed that indigenous the people to determine their own po- importance of supporting developing peoples have the right to maintain and litical, economic, social and cultural countries “to eradicate poverty by em- strengthen their distinct political, legal, systems and their full participation in powering the poor and people in vul- economic, social and cultural institu- all aspects of their lives. nerable situations, promoting deve- tions, while retaining their right to par- loping sustainable agriculture as well ticipate fully, if they so choose, in the The leaders reaffirmed that while as full and productive employment and political, economic, social and cultural all democracies share common fea- decent work for all, complemented by life of the State. In this regard, “we em- tures, there is no single model of de- effective social policies, including so- phasize the need to respect and safe- mocracy and that democracy does not cial protection floors.” guard indigenous cultural identities, belong to any country or region, and

Page 6 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 ensure national ownership of their own development agenda, which en- tails preserving their own policy space backed by a strong political commit- ment to reduce poverty in line with their national priorities and cir- cumstances. Developing countries must formu-

Asia Tribune Asia late their own development strategies to assist the poor through policies and actions, including strong, sustained and inclusive economic growth, the

generation of employment as a priori- Political leaders at the opening of the Summit. ty, the improvement of the provision of universal and affordable access to further reaffirmed the necessity of due the capacity to regenerate, for the bene- basic services, the provision of a well- respect for sovereignty, unity and terri- fit of present and future generations. designed social protection system, the torial integrity and the right to self- We also recognize that the sustainable empowerment of individuals to seize determination, and the rejection of any use of natural resources is an effective economic opportunities, and measures attempt to break down constitutional way to achieve economic growth while to ensure the protection of the envi- and democratic order legitimately esta- reducing poverty and environmental ronment. blished by the peoples. degradation.” The Declaration also recognized “We call for an end to the use of The leaders “respected the decisions that fighting corruption is a priority media in any way that might dissemi- of some countries that decided to na- and as it is a serious barrier to effec- nate distorted information against tionalize or to reclaim control of their tive resource mobilization and alloca- States members of the Group of 77 in natural resources in order to obtain tion and diverts resources away from complete disregard of the principle of greater benefits for their people, es- poverty eradication and sustainable international law,” added the Declara- pecially the poor, and to invest in the development. tion. economic diversification, industrializa- tion and social programmes.” On reducing inequality, the Decla- The leaders expressed deep indigna- ration emphasized that the problem of tion and rejection with regard to the On the Eradication of poverty, the inequality is even more acute today withdrawal of overflight and landing Declaration recognized that poverty is than ever because of the prevalence of permits for the presidential aircraft on an affront to human dignity and stres- extreme wealth while poverty and which Bolivia’s President Evo Morales sed that poverty eradication is the hunger continue to exist and this is Ayma and his party were travelling on greatest global challenge facing the aggravated, inter alia, by unsustai- 2 July 2013. These facts constitute un- world today. The leaders attached the nable patterns of consumption and friendly and unjustifiable acts that have highest priority to poverty eradication production mainly in developed coun- also put at serious risk the safety of in the United Nations post-2015 deve- tries. President Morales. “We make public lopment agenda to be supported by our greater solidarity and demand cla- effective and adequate means of imple- “We affirm that any benefit from rification of facts,” said the Declaration. mentation and strengthened global economic growth has to be equitably partnership for development, and shared and must benefit the people in On National sovereignty and bene- which entails, among other objectives, vulnerable situations in our communi- fits over natural resources, the Decla- the promotion of employment and ties, and we therefore call once again ration reaffirmed that States have the decent work for all, the improvement for concerted actions to reduce inequa- sovereign right to exploit their own of access to social services, the eradica- lities at all levels. resources and the responsibility to en- tion of illiteracy and diseases as well as sure that activities do not cause da- “We are gravely concerned at the integrated, coordinated and coherent mage to the environment of other inadequacy of measures to narrow the national and regional strategies. States. They reaffirmed that “the right widening gap between the developed of peoples and nations to permanent They expressed deep concern for and the developing countries, and sovereignty over the natural wealth the constraints on the fight against po- within countries, which has contri- and resources must be exercised in the verty arising from the crises, in particu- buted to, inter alia, deepening poverty interest of their national development lar the world financial and economic and has adversely affected the full and of the well-being of the people of crisis, the continuing food insecurity, enjoyment of all human rights, in par- the State concerned.” the volatility of capital flows and the ticular in developing countries. extreme volatility of commodity prices, While emphasizing this sovereignty “We also note with concern that energy accessibility and the challenges over natural wealth, the leaders said high levels of inequality within and posed by climate change to developing they are also “aware of our duty to con- among countries continue to have a countries. serve and sustainably manage and use negative impact on all aspects of hu- these resources and ensure the condi- They stressed that to enable poverty man development and are especially tions for nature and ecosystems to have eradication, developing countries must harmful to people in vulnerable situa-

Page 7 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 tions who are affected by intersecting between macroeconomic and job crea- The leaders noted with great con- inequalities. We therefore urge coun- tion policies in order to ensure econo- cern that non-communicable diseases tries, including through the support of mic growth. have become an epidemic of signifi- international cooperation, to scale up cant proportions, acknowledged the The Declaration stressed deep con- efforts to provide equal access to op- effectiveness of tobacco control mea- cern about the continuing high levels of portunities and outcomes to all levels sures for the improvement of health. unemployment and underemployment, of society in accordance with national particularly among young people, and They reaffirmed the right of mem- policies. affirmed commitment to reducing ber States to protect public health and, “We understand that sustainable unemployment through employment- in particular, to ensure universal ac- development involves a change in the intensive macroeconomic and develop- cess to medicines and medical dia- order of priorities from the generation ment policies. “We affirm the need to gnostic technologies, if necessary, in- of material wealth to the satisfaction of launch a UN intergovernmental process cluding through the full use of the human needs in harmony with nature. to include the issue of youth employ- flexibilities in the Doha Declaration The excessive orientation towards pro- ment and youth concerns in the post- on the TRIPS Agreement and Public fit neither respects Mother Earth nor 2015 development agenda and the im- Health. takes into account human needs. The portance of ensuring decent livelihoods They recalled paragraph 142 of the continuation of this unequal system for farmers in our countries.”

outcome document of the UN Confe- will lead to further inequality.” On providing basic services for our rence on Sustainable Development, in On sustained and inclusive econo- people, the leaders said the increasing which Heads of State and Government mic growth, the Declaration affirmed gap between the world’s rich and poor reaffirmed the right to use, to the that sustained, inclusive and equitable is due not only to unequal income dis- fullest extent, the provisions contained economic growth is necessary to eradi- tribution but also to unequal access to in the TRIPS Agreement, the Doha cate poverty, provide jobs and raise the basic resources and services. Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement living standards of people and generate and Public Health, the decision of the “We recognize that the State has an public revenues to finance social poli- General Council of the WTO of 30 Au- essential role to play to ensure that ba- cies. gust 2003 and the amendment to ar- sic services are accessible to all and to ticle 31 of the TRIPS Agreement, “We note that historical evidence address the unequal and discriminatory which provide flexibilities for the pro- has shown that no country has ever distribution of and access to them. We tection of public health, and in parti- achieved constant improvements in reaffirm our resolve to act to implement cular to promote access to medicines living standards and human develop- the right of our people to access basic for all and encourage the provision of ment without sustaining a steady pace services.” assistance to developing countries in of economic growth. We therefore urge The leaders reaffirmed their commit- this regard. the international community and the ments regarding the human right to United Nations to assist developing “We affirm the importance of ta- safe drinking water and sanitation and countries in attaining high and ade- king advantage of the use of TRIPS called on donor countries and interna- quate economic growth over a sustai- flexibilities in order to promote the tional organizations to provide re- ned period,” said the Declaration. people’s health and access to medi- sources to scale up efforts to provide cines. We call upon developed coun- “We also realize that high economic safe, clean, accessible and affordable tries to fully respect the right of deve- growth, although necessary, is not suf- drinking water and sanitation for all. loping countries to make full use of ficient in itself. It must generate jobs On Access to public health and me- TRIPS flexibilities and to refrain from and lift the incomes of peoples es- dicines, the leaders recognized that taking actions, including trade mea- pecially the poor and the most in need. universal health coverage means that sures, to prevent or dissuade deve- Economic growth should also be envi- everyone has access to basic medical loping countries from exercising this ronmentally and socially sound and, to services of promotion, prevention, cure right.” achieve this, developing countries re- and rehabilitation as well as to essential quire financial and technological sup- The leaders also said they are quality, safe, affordable and effective port from developed countries.” “concerned about the increasing pro- medicines. blem of antimicrobial resistance to On the Creation of employment, It recognized that many developing existing drugs, including those against the Declaration said the capacity to countries do not have the financial or tuberculosis and malaria. As a result, generate full employment and decent human resources or the infrastructure increasing numbers of patients, es- work is fundamentally linked to revi- to implement the right of everyone to pecially in developing countries, face ving and enhancing productive deve- the enjoyment of the highest attainable the prospect of dying from preven- lopment strategies, through adequate standard of physical and mental health table and/or treatable diseases. We finance, investment and trade policies. and called on developed countries to urge the international health authori- It reaffirmed the need for significant provide the adequate financial re- ties and organizations, especially the mobilization of resources from a varie- sources and technology to complement World Health Organization (WHO), to ty of sources and the effective use of developing countries’ efforts to have take urgent action and to work toge- financing, in order to give strong sup- policies and measures that provide uni- ther upon request with developing port to developing countries in their versal health coverage and basic health countries that do not have adequate efforts to promote sustainable develop- services for all. resources to address this problem.” ment. It stressed the need for coherence

Page 8 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 G77: Summit Declaration on national development, South-South cooperation he Declaration adopted by the G77 ties. gral part of the international develop- Extraordinary Summit on 14-15 ment agenda, they demanded sustai- T “We denounce that subsidies and June in Santa Cruz has five sections. Its ned funding and increased targeted other market distortions driven by second section on “development in the investment to enhance world food pro- developed countries have seriously national context” deals with poverty duction and called for new and addi- affected the agricultural sector of deve- eradication, inequality, provision of tional financial resources for sustai- loping countries, limiting the ability of basic services and access to health, nable agriculture development and this key sector to significantly contri- among other issues (as described in the food security. bute to the eradication of poverty and first article on the Declaration). to sustained, inclusive economic Strengthening the agricultural sec- This second article deals with other growth and equitable, sustainable tor should be part of the post-2015 aspects of Part II (agriculture and food development, food security and rural agenda with its means of implementa- security, industrialisation and infras- development,” said the Declaration. tion, to achieve food security. They tructure, women in development and “We call for the immediate elimination also stressed the importance of inclu- indigenous peoples) as well as Part III of all forms of agricultural subsidies ding the knowledge, practices and on South-South Cooperation. and other market-distorting measures technologies of indigenous peoples, taken by developed countries that are rural communities and small- and me- The Declaration contains a lengthy not in compliance with WTO rules. We dium-scale farmers in national, regio- section on Agricultural development urge developed countries to show flexi- nal and international strategies aimed and food security. The leaders recalled bility and political will to adequately at achieving food security. that food security and nutrition are address these fundamental concerns of essential elements for achieving sustai- They reaffirmed that quinoa’s bio- developing countries in the Doha nable development and expressed con- diversity and nutritional value make it Round of trade negotiations.” cern that developing countries are vul- central to providing food security and nerable to, among others, the adverse They reiterated their commitment to nutrition and to eradicating poverty, as impacts of climate change, further conclude multilateral disciplines on well as to promoting the traditional threatening food security. fisheries subsidies including through knowledge of the Andean indigenous the prohibition of certain forms of fis- peoples. They reaffirmed that hunger is a heries subsidies that contribute to over- violation of human dignity and called They called for the creation of con- capacity and overfishing, recognizing for urgent measures to be taken to eli- ditions for the development of econo- that appropriate and effective special minate it. They also reaffirmed the mic opportunities for the benefit of and differential treatment for deve- right of everyone to have access to safe small-scale and family farmers, loping and least developed countries and nutritious food in accordance with peasant and indigenous peoples and should be an integral part of the WTO their right to adequate food and the communities, and the creation of op- fisheries subsidies negotiation. fundamental right to be free from hun- tions for connecting them with consu- ger, in order to develop and maintain Stressing that food security and mers, as part of the national strategies their full physical and mental capaci- agriculture development are an inte- for the realization of the right to food. They recognized the positive role of small-scale and family farmers, inclu- ding women, cooperatives, indigenous peoples and local communities in developing countries, and their knowledge and practices, in the con- servation and sustainable use of seeds, agro-biodiversity and biodiversity as- sociated with food production of pre- sent and future generations. They stressed the need to address

Joseph Nyadzayo Nyadzayo Joseph the root causes of excessive food price volatility, including its structural causes, at all levels, and the need to manage the risks linked to excessively volatile prices in agricultural commo- dities. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe (right) receives a gift from Iranian First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri (left) after their meeting in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, on the sidelines of the G77+China Summit. “We call for the prioritization of

Page 9 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 development in the WTO Doha Round loping countries, including of negotiations in accordance with the through technology transfer, Doha Development Agenda, including to develop their capacities to food security. We call for the promo- design and implement in- tion of the livelihoods of small-scale dustrialization strategies farmers and rural development in and policies. developing countries. In this context, On the issue of policy we urge WTO members to adopt a per- space and trade rules, the manent solution to the issue of public ecuadortimes.net Declaration stated: “We call stock holding and food security for for the international trading developing countries, as agreed by the system to respect and rein- WTO Ministerial Decision adopted in force the policy space of Bali, Indonesia, in 2013, as soon as pos- developing countries for the sible.” promotion and growth of On Sustainable family farming, the our industrial development and for the political and economic decision- leaders declared that family farms and design and implementation of our in- making and resource allocation, to small farms are an important basis for dustrial strategies. In this regard, we give women equal rights with men to sustainable food production aimed at call for the revision of all rules within economic resources, and to ensure achieving food security and that sup- the world trading system that affect the access to education, finance, informa- port should be given to the economic policy space of developing countries.” tion and communications technolo- activities of sustainable family farming, gies, markets, legal assistance and On infrastructure, the Declaration in particular promoting their access to other basic services, including health- affirmed that the development of re- financial services, productive resources care services, including safe, effective, liable and affordable infrastructure, and agricultural inputs such as land, affordable and acceptable modern regional connectivity, including trans- seeds, appropriate technology, trans- methods of family planning,” said the port, roads, energy and telecommunica- port and information. Declaration. tions, are essential. “We will promote comprehensive They recognized that violence They urged developed countries to and complementary national and regio- against women seriously violates all provide technical assistance, technology nal actions for production, access and human rights of women, and agreed transfer and financial resources to consumption based on integral, multi- to take action to eliminate all forms of enable developing countries to indus- sectoral and participatory planning, violence, including feminicide and trialize and develop their infrastructure reassessing and strengthening sustai- discrimination against women and in ways that are environmentally sus- nable family farming, small-scale far- girls, through a more systematic, com- tainable, including adopting cleaner, mers, indigenous peoples and Afro- prehensive approach, mechanisms resource-based and energy-efficient descendants,” said the Declaration. and national action plans. They also sustainable consumption and produc- reaffirmed the commitment to work Industrialization In a section on tion patterns, including cleaner fossil towards a post-2015 development and infrastructure , the Declaration fuel technologies. agenda with a gender perspective and affirmed that industrial development On the Inclusion of women in supported the gender issue as a stand- and value addition, together with development, the Declaration reaf- alone sustainable development goal. science, technology and innovation, are firmed the vital role of women and the essential elements for developing coun- On Indigenous peoples, the Decla- need for full and equal opportunities tries to attain higher development le- ration urged efforts towards the im- for their participation and leadership in vels in a sustained way, as the indus- plementation of the rights of indige- all areas of sustainable development. trialization process can generate higher nous peoples to their lands, natural They decided to accelerate the imple- productivity, more jobs and skills and resources, identity and culture, in ac- mentation of their commitments in va- positive spill-over effects on the econo- cordance with national legislation. rious relevant Conventions and Decla- my. Therefore, they urged developed The leaders reaffirmed their commit- rations pertaining to women. countries to assist developing countries ments to implement their legal obliga- in boosting industrialization in their They recognized that the potential of tions, including, as appropriate, Con- development strategies and policies women in sustainable development has vention No. 169 of the International and in promoting inclusive sustainable not been fully realized, supported prio- Labour Organization, as well as to industrial development. ritizing measures to promote gender promote the implementation of the equality and the empowerment of wo- UN Declaration on the Rights of Indi- They noted that many developing men and girls in all spheres, and re- genous Peoples. countries are still overly dependent on solved to unlock the potential of wo- commodities and that they should ex- They reaffirmed the value and the men as drivers of sustainable develop- plore industrial diversification strate- diversity of the cultures and the forms ment through many measures and gies by enhancing value-adding pro- of social organization of indigenous through creating an enabling environ- ductive capacities. peoples and their holistic traditional ment. scientific knowledge, innovations and They called on international organi- “We are committed to ensure equal practices, which play a significant role zations and requested international rights and opportunities for women in in strengthening the livelihoods of the cooperation mechanisms to assist deve- Page 10 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 local populations, ensuring food securi- tion, the Declaration reaffirmed their the third round of the Global System of ty and addressing climate change. view of South-South cooperation as a Trade Preferences, and called upon manifestation of solidarity among more developing countries to partici- They stressed the importance of peoples and countries of the South that pate in it. indigenous peoples in sustainable contributes to their national well-being, development and their critical role in They welcomed the increase in their national and collective self- the social, economic and political pro- South-South regional cooperation ini- reliance and that South-South coopera- cesses of their countries, while streng- tiatives in various areas, such as fi- tion and its agenda have to be set by thening the local views and values re- nance, banking, trade, health care and countries of the South and should con- ferred to as the holistic views of Mother food production and called for further tinue to be guided by the principles of Earth. initiatives as well as concrete ways in respect for national sovereignty, natio- which developing countries can share They reaffirmed the importance of nal ownership and independence, experiences and good practices so as to the role of collective action and the ef- equality, non-conditionality, non- spread these South-South initiatives. forts of indigenous and local communi- interference in domestic affairs and They also encouraged their countries ties in conserving biodiversity, conside- mutual benefit. to exchange experiences and best prac- ring their critical role in the ste- The leaders reaffirmed the impor- tices with regard to the equal access by wardship and sustainable management tance of strengthening South-South all to basic services. of natural renewable resources. cooperation, especially in the current They stressed that the High-level They considered that mitigation of international economic environment, Committee on South-South Coopera- and adaptation to climate change are and reiterated that it is a strategy to tion of the General Assembly is the contingent upon different sociocultural sustain the development efforts of central multilateral policymaking body contexts, taking particular account of developing countries and a means of in the United Nations system to review indigenous peoples and local commu- enhancing their participation in the and assess global and system-wide nities and their traditional knowledge global economy. progress and support for South-South systems and practices, including their The Declaration stated: “We reite- development cooperation. holistic view of community and envi- rate the position of the Group that ronment, as a major means of adapting They supported the system-wide South-South cooperation is a comple- to climate change. provision of additional resources to the ment to, rather than a substitute for, United Nations Office for South-South They called for strengthening the North-South cooperation and reaf- Cooperation, and recognized that the inter-scientific dialogue between tradi- firmed that South-South cooperation is Office, currently hosted by the UNDP, tional and indigenous knowledge sys- a collective endeavour of developing constitutes a separate entity with a tems with modern sciences in the con- countries based on the principle of soli- distinct legal nature, entrusted with the text of the Intergovernmental Science- darity and premises, conditions and coordination on a global and United Policy Platform on Biodiversity and objectives that are specific to the histo- Nations system-wide basis for promo- Ecosystem Services and of the concep- ric and political context of developing ting and facilitating initiatives related tual framework of “Living well in ba- countries and to their needs and expec- to South-South cooperation for deve- lance and harmony with Mother tations, and that as such, South-South lopment. They requested a more for- Earth”, approved by the Platform. cooperation deserves its own separate malized and strengthened inter-agency and independent promotion, as reaf- They welcomed the convening of mechanism for the UN Office for firmed in the Nairobi outcome docu- the World Conference on Indigenous South-South Cooperation. ment. Peoples, to be held in New York on 22 They called upon the UN develop- and 23 September 2014 and the out- “In this context, we stress that ment system to promote transfer of come document should contribute to South-South cooperation and its agen- technologies from developed countries the realization of the rights of indige- da must be driven by the countries of for the benefit of developing countries nous peoples and the pursuit of the the South. As such, South-South coope- and encouraged technology coopera- objectives of the Declaration on the ration, which is critical for developing tion among the countries of the South. Rights of Indigenous Peoples. countries, requires long-term vision and a global institutional arrangement, “We acknowledge the role played They also took note of the Special as envisioned by the Second South by the South Centre in supporting the Declaration on the Coca Leaf of the Summit”. Group of 77. We call upon the mem- Heads of State and Government of the bers of the Group to further support Latin American and Caribbean States The Declaration welcomed the con- the Centre and call upon the Centre to in Havana on 29 January 2014, which vening of the High-level Panel of Emi- expand its activities for the benefit of acknowledged the importance of pre- nent Personalities of the South in Fiji in developing countries,” said the Decla- serving the cultural and traditional May 2013, and its conclusions on the ration. “We encourage organizations of practices of indigenous peoples and future landscape of South-South coope- developing countries, including the recognized coca leaf chewing as an ration and they reiterated the frame- South Centre, to come up with ideas ancestral cultural manifestation of the work and principles of South-South and suggest action plans to further people of the Andean region that must cooperation first endorsed by the G77 operationalize South-South coopera- be respected by the international com- Foreign Ministers in New York on 26 tion.” munity. September 2008. By Martin Khor In Part III on South-South coopera- They welcomed the conclusion of

Page 11 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 buted to the lack of achievement of many goals and targets. We therefore G77 Summit Declaration call for the urgent implementation of all commitments under the global part- nership for development so as to over- addresses “global challenges” come the gaps identified”, said the Below is another instalment of a report on the Declaration leaders. adopted by the G77 Summit in Santa Cruz on 15 June. This ins- “We also call upon leaders of the talment is on the “Global Challenges” part of the Declaration, developed countries to agree and com- which deals with the global issues being negotiated at the UN mit to a new phase of international cooperation through a strengthened and other venues. and scaled-up global partnership for development, which should be the cen- trepiece and anchor for both the sustai- nable development goals and the post- 2015 development agenda. “Such an enhanced global part- nership should include the issues of providing financial resources to deve- loping countries, official development assistance, debt relief and debt restruc- turing, trade, technology transfer and greater participation of developing countries in global economic go- Aizar Raldes Raldes Aizar vernance.” On Official development assis- tance, the leaders reaffirmed that ODA

remains the main source of internatio- nal financing for many developing A public rally on 14 June 2014 at a stadium in Santa Cruz, attended by several political leaders, was countries and that it is essential as a part of the Summit events. catalyst for development, including for he G77 Summit Declaration, Significantly, the Declaration also fulfilling the MDGs, SDGs and the T adopted by the Extraordinary has a section on an emerging issue of post-2015 development agenda. Summit to mark the 50th anniversary internet governance and the invasion of “We stress that developed coun- of the Group of 77, in Santa Cruz on privacy. The leaders condemned the tries must meet and scale up their exis- 15 June, has a major Part IV on misuse of communications technology ting official development assistance “Global Challenges” which deals (by some countries) to conduct surveil- commitments and targets made,” said with the main issues that are the sub- lance on developing countries’ leaders the Declaration. “An enhanced predic- ject of international discussion. and citizens, and calling for an end to table and sustainable flow of ODA is The Declaration sets out the G77 such activities and ensuring that cy- essential to meet the regular develop- and China political leaders’ current berspace is used for peaceful ends. ment challenges as well as the new and positions on these issues, many of The Declaration is an important emerging challenges in developing which are presently under multilate- reference for the views of the deve- countries.” It recalled the unfulfilled ral negotiations in the UN in New loping countries, at the highest political commitment made by developed coun- York, in the WTO, in the UNCTAD, level, on the current international is- tries at Gleneagles. IMF, WIPO and other fora. sues. It urged the developed countries to The “Global Challenges” dealt with In a section on “Global part- fulfil their commitment to provide the global partnership for develop- nership for development”, the Decla- 0.7 per cent of GNI for ODA and the ment, ODA, debt, trade, technology ration stressed the need for a new and target of 0.15 to 0.20 per cent of GNI to transfer, migration, a strong critique of stronger commitment by developed the LDCs, and to increase the target to the international financial system and countries to international cooperation 1 per cent of GNI by 2030. It expressed calling for reforms, the credit rating to support the fulfilment of the deve- deep concern that ODA commitments system, the need to democratise the lopment aspirations of developing remain unfulfilled. global economic governance, and the countries. role of the UN. The leaders stressed that the global As part of the Millennium Develop- financial and economic crisis cannot be The Declaration also deals with en- ment Goals, a commitment was made an excuse to avoid fulfilling existing vironmental issues including climate to a global partnership for develop- aid commitments by developed coun- change, biodiversity, forests, desertifi- ment. “However, we note with con- tries and making further commitments. cation and land degradation and cern the significant shortfall in the part- They therefore called upon developed oceans. nership under the Goals, which contri- countries collectively to fulfil their

Page 12 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 ODA commitments and to raise overall debt-restructuring processes, both for of financialization include volatile capi- levels further, keeping in mind that the developing and developed countries,” tal flows, excessive commodity and developing countries will require new, it added. “We therefore stress the im- food price fluctuations, rapid shifts in additional and sustainable financial portance of not allowing vulture funds exchange rates and boom-bust cycles of resources to a significant extent and to paralyse the debt-restructuring ef- financial crisis and economic recession. amount in order to implement a wide forts of developing countries, and that “We urge that the reform process of range of development activities. these funds should not supersede a the governance structure of the Bretton State’s right to protect its people under They stressed the need for ensuring Woods institutions be finalized as soon international law. new and additional financial support to as possible and be much more ambi- developing countries as a key means of “We stress the need to ensure that tious, and that an accelerated plan be implementation for achieving the the economic and monetary policies established for further reforms in re- MDGs and the forthcoming SDGs. implemented by developed countries presentation, participation and parity ODA should be used in accordance do not affect global aggregate demand of voting power for developing coun- with national developmental priorities and liquidity, owing to the objective of tries in the decision-making process without conditionalities. The leaders finding surplus in their balance of pay- within the Bretton Woods institutions expressed “deep concern about the ments, with negative results in the re- and in all discussions on international attempt made by donor countries, out- duction of global revenues in deve- monetary reform and in the operation side UN forums, to redefine ODA by loping countries.” of the new arrangements for special including other sources of financing drawing rights in the IMF, on the basis On Reforming the global financial that are not linked or related to the of criteria that truly reflect its mandate architecture, the leaders affirmed the development of developing countries, in the field of development and with need for reform of the international with the objective of disguising the the participation of all stakeholders in financial architecture so that we have a drop in ODA flows not based on their an equitable, transparent, consultative financial and monetary system that agreed commitments.” and inclusive process. In this regard, reflects the realities of the twenty-first we call on the General Assembly to On External debt, the leaders were century, including a properly regulated launch a process to reform the interna- concerned that, with the global econo- international financial sector that re- tional financial and monetary system. mic crisis, some countries are becoming duces and discourages speculative in- more vulnerable to new external debt vestment, in order for capital markets “We support exploration of the es- problems or even crises. Addressing to be mobilized to achieve sustainable tablishment of a United Nations inter- the external debt problems of deve- development and play a constructive governmental mechanism under the loping countries is thus an important role in the global development agenda. General Assembly, as an entity respon- part of international cooperation and sible for monitoring the performance of They added: “We also note the con- the enhanced global partnership for the global economic and financial sys- tinuation of fundamental problems in development. tem in a comprehensive and sustai- the global financial and monetary sys- nable manner. It is important that this “We recognize the importance of tem, including lack of regulation to mechanism monitor the impact of cer- debt relief, including debt cancellation, ensure financial stability, the problems tain international financial flows and debt restructuring, debt moratorium of the reserve currencies, the volatility policies that are systemically important and debt audit procedures. Debt res- in currency exchange rates, the specu- to prevent the spread of economic and tructuring processes should have as lative and large cross-border flows of financial crisis among countries.” their core element a determination of capital and the insufficiency or unavai- real payment capacity so that they may lability of liquidity for developing On Reforming the credit rating not adversely affect economic growth countries in need of financial resources system, the Declaration called for regu- and the fulfilment of the unfinished that face foreign exchange shortfalls or lating credit rating agencies. Govern- business of the MDGs, the SDGs and require resources to generate sustai- ments should limit their regulatory the post-2015 development agenda. nable growth and development. We reliance on credit rating agencies and call for a programme of reforms, with reform legal regimes to hold them “In this regard, we reiterate the ur- full voice, representation and participa- liable for negligent behaviour in order gent need for the international commu- tion of developing countries, to address to suppress conflicts of interest and nity to examine options for an effective, these problems. ensure integrity, accountability and equitable, durable, independent and transparency. development-oriented international “We note with concern that finan- debt resolution mechanism, and call cial deregulation and financial liberali- It stressed the need for a more upon all countries to promote and con- zation have given rise to the massive transparent international credit rating tribute to the discussions within the expansion of speculative financial system that takes fully into account the United Nations and other appropriate flows and derivatives trading. The fi- needs, concerns and peculiarities of forums with that objective.” nancial and economic crisis of 2008 has developing countries. It expressed con- illustrated that international finance cern about the methodology used by The Declaration pointed to a new has created an economy of its own, the major credit rating agencies and concern on vulture funds. Recent which has become increasingly discon- called for greater transparency and examples of the actions of vulture nected from the real economy of pro- competition among rating agencies to funds in international courts have re- duction, direct investment, job creation avoid oligopolistic tendencies and their vealed their highly speculative nature. and wage growth. The adverse effects negative effects. It also called for dis- “Such funds pose a risk to all future

Page 13 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 cussions at the UN and other venues on policies to reduce dependency on them by enhancing their supervision and increasing transparency and com- petition through the establishment of independent assessment mechanisms. On Global economic governance, the leaders affirmed that the world financial and economic crisis and its consequences for development have exposed the gaps and failures in global economic governance, including within the international financial institutions, and the urgent need for a global, uni- versal and integrated response by the Reuters international community.

“We note with deep concern that seven years after the outbreak of the A general view of the plenary session of the G77+China Summit on June 15, 2014. global crisis, there has been little pro- gress made to strengthen the systemic, governance of IMF better reflect the ned ECOSOC could both act to miti- regulatory and structural aspects of the relative weight of emerging and deve- gate the impact of the international global financial system. Moreover, the loping countries in the global econo- financial and economic crisis and to lack of participation by developing my.” ensure the right of developing coun- countries in general in global economic tries to policy space for sustainable issues and governance persists; this is a Noting that the redistribution of development. matter of grave concern because the voting rights alone is not enough, the workings of the global system affect all leaders said the reform should encom- The UN needs to improve its capa- countries, and this democratic deficit pass liquidity creation, including im- bilities and capacities to fully imple- has even more serious consequences provement in the special drawing rights ment its mandates and to ensure the for developing countries when the glo- for developing countries, and the IMF effective delivery of its programmes in bal economy is slowing down or in must provide more comprehensive and the social and economic development recession. flexible financial responses to the needs fields. The leaders urged the Secreta- of developing countries, without impo- ry-General to further strengthen the “We strongly call on the internatio- sing pro-cyclical conditionalities and development pillar of the whole Orga- nal community to redress the democra- respecting their need for adequate poli- nization, including its Development tic deficit in global economic go- cy space. Account and urged developed coun- vernance and provide developing tries to show real political will to countries their rightful place and parti- Furthermore, leading personnel of enable the UN to improve its capabili- cipation in the governance and deci- the Bretton Woods institutions must be ties in the social, environmental and sion-making of all the institutions and designated on the basis of their indivi- economic development fields. forums where discussions and deci- dual merits, through an open and fair sions are taken on global economic and process of selection. As long as IMF They expressed concern over the financial issues.” does not reflect the new realities in the growing imbalance between assessed global economy and its Director Gene- and voluntary contributions in the They affirmed that efforts to reform ral keeps being designated through a proposed programme budgets of the the international financial architecture process that lacks any transparency, its Organization and that any UN reform should be seriously strengthened, lea- legitimacy will remain questionable. efforts, including on the budget pro- ding to the full participation of deve- cess, must not seek to change the inter- loping countries in international finan- They also stressed the need to hold a governmental, multilateral and inter- cial and economic decision-making and follow-up international conference on national nature of the Organization, norm-setting. financing for development in 2015 to but must strengthen the ability of contribute to the post-2015 develop- “We call for comprehensive reform Member States to perform their over- ment agenda process. They recognized of the Bretton Woods institutions, in- sight and monitoring role. the important role of the UN and the cluding enhancement of the voting po- central position of the General Assem- They also expressed concern over wers of developing countries in a time- bly. budget cuts that have a negative im- bound manner, in order to enable grea- pact on the implementation of man- ter equity between developed and On Strengthening and reorienting dates approved by the intergovern- developing countries and to eliminate the United Nations, the Declaration mental bodies of the United Nations, all types of conditionalities tied to aid. stressed the importance of the central particularly in the development pillar. role of the UN in global economic go- “We call for the urgent completion vernance, which aims at enhancing the They underscored the central role of the 2010 IMF quota formula reform global partnership for development. of the United Nations in global econo- in order to ensure that the quotas and The General Assembly and a strengthe- mic governance, as a truly universal

Page 14 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 and inclusive multilateral forum. They and to take actions to bridge the tech- flexibilities in our countries, with the emphasized the important role the Ge- nological gap. aim of promoting health, education neral Assembly should play in the ap- and economic and social development. The Declaration stated: “We call pointment of the Secretary-General of We note with great interest and appre- for the early establishment by the Uni- the United Nations and that the process ciation that some developing countries ted Nations system of a technology of selection of the Secretary-General have successfully made use of some facilitation mechanism that promotes should be inclusive of all Member TRIPS flexibilities to promote the use the development, transfer and dissemi- States, as well as more transparent. of generic medicines, which are lower nation of clean and environmentally in cost and thus greatly increase access On Technology transfer, science sound technologies, including cleaner to medicines at affordable prices. and innovation for development, the fossil fuel technologies. leaders expressed concern that “We reject attempts by any deve- “We call for regulations and poli- science, technology and innovation can loped country or business interest to cies on intellectual property to be pla- be abused as instruments to limit and pressure developing countries not to ced within a development framework, undermine countries’ sovereignty, sus- exercise their right to make use of whereby intellectual property rights tainable development and poverty era- TRIPS Agreement flexibilities for social are oriented towards the promotion of dication. They called for an end to the and development purposes and ex- balanced social, economic and environ- use of information and communication press our solidarity with those deve- mental development. In this regard, we technologies, including social net- loping countries that have come under support the measures taken by deve- works, in contravention of internatio- such pressure. loping countries to promote the imple- nal law and in detriment to any State, mentation of the WIPO Development “We stress the need to protect the in particular members of the Group of Agenda recommendations of 2007.” knowledge of developing countries, 77 or their citizens. indigenous peoples and local commu- They reiterated their call at the se- They reaffirmed that technology nities with regard to genetic resources, cond South Summit of the G77, for transfer, technology integration and the biodiversity and traditional WIPO to continue to include in its fu- development and promotion of endo- knowledge, and especially from conti- ture plans and activities, including genous technologies are important for nuing attempts by persons or compa- legal advice, a development dimension developing countries and called on nies to patent such resources and that includes promoting development developed countries to implement their knowledge without the approval of the and access to knowledge for all, pro- commitments to transfer technology to countries, indigenous peoples and development norm-setting, harmoniza- developing countries and provide ac- communities concerned. tion with the Convention on Biological cess to technology on favourable terms, Diversity rules, establishing develop- “We call for intensified efforts by including concessional and preferential ment-friendly principles, and the trans- our negotiators and policymakers to terms, to enable the developing coun- fer and dissemination of technology. establish legal mechanisms, internatio- tries to shift to a more sustainable nally or nationally, to prevent biopira- development path. “We also reiterate that the TRIPS cy by requiring disclosure of the coun- Agreement of WTO contains flexibili- They added that it is imperative try of origin and proof of benefit- ties, and that it is the right of deve- that developed countries recommit sharing arrangements by applicants for loping States members of WTO to themselves to the objective of technolo- such patents. make use of such flexibilities, as con- gy transfer as one of the major compo- firmed in the 2001 Declaration on the “We also call for strong provisions nents of provision of the means of im- TRIPS Agreement and Public Health of and effective mechanisms for technolo- plementation for developing countries, WTO, and we support the use of these gy transfer, including appropriate treatment of intellectual property, in the international climate change re- gime in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.” On Trade, the leaders believed that trade in the context of appropriate po- licies and rules can be an important tool for economic development. “It is essential to establish and uphold a uni- versal, fair, rules-based, open, pro- development, non‑discriminatory, inclusive and equitable multilateral trading system that contributes to

Bolivia Como Va Como Bolivia growth, sustainable development and employment, particularly for deve- loping countries. “We call for a timely and successful

conclusion to the Doha Round of mul-

Musical performance during the opening ceremony of the Summit.

Page 15 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 tilateral trade negotiations, which must convention on migration and develop- taking concrete steps during this year fully respect its development mandate ment to improve the governance of for the immediate operationalization of and place the needs and priorities of international migration and to protect the mechanism. developing countries at its centre. Fol- and promote the human rights of mi- The leaders also stated: “We stress lowing the WTO Ministerial Confe- grants and their contribution to deve- that the developed countries, given rence in Bali in 2013, we call for an in- lopment, regardless of their migratory their historical responsibility, need to clusive and transparent negotiating status.” take the lead in addressing this chal- process and the prioritizing of the inte- They acknowledged the need to lenge in accordance with the principles rests and issues of developing coun- enhance the protection of all human and provisions of the United Nations tries in the post-Bali programme. rights and fundamental freedoms of Framework Convention on Climate “We view with concern that some migrant workers and their families and Change, particularly the principles of developed countries members of WTO to consider the recognition of the quali- common but differentiated responsibi- are more interested in gaining market fications and competencies of migrants lities and respective capabilities and access to developing countries, while and their access to low-cost financial equity, and provide financial and tech- they are themselves not willing to take services for remittances. nological support to developing coun- adequate measures to eliminate or re- tries in a transparent, adequate and On Climate change, the leaders duce protectionism in their agriculture predictable manner under a modality affirmed that the UNFCCC is the pri- sector or to provide more market access of monitoring, reporting and verifica- mary international, intergovernmental to developing countries.” tion. forum for negotiating the global res- The leaders said they believe that ponse to climate change and that the “We reiterate that the extent to “trade rules, in WTO or in bilateral and international response to climate which developing countries will effec- regional trade agreements, should change must fully respect the prin- tively implement their commitments enable developing countries to have ciples, provisions and ultimate objec- under the United Nations Framework sufficient policy space so that they can tive of the Convention, in particular the Convention on Climate Change will make use of policy instruments and principles of equity and of common but depend on the effective implementa- measures that are required for their differentiated responsibilities and res- tion by developed countries of their economic and social development. pective capabilities. commitments under the Convention related to financial resources and “We reiterate our call for the effec- They reaffirmed “the importance of transfer of technology and will take tive strengthening of the special and continuing the negotiations on climate fully into account that economic and differential treatment and less than full change under the Convention in accor- social development and poverty eradi- reciprocity principles and provisions in dance with its principles and provi- cation are the first and overriding prio- WTO so as to broaden the policy space sions and of adopting, in 2015, a proto- rities of developing countries. of developing countries and enable col, another legal instrument or an them to benefit more from the multila- agreed outcome with legal force under “We stress the need to urgently teral trading system. We also call for the Convention applicable to all par- close the ambition gap, and express bilateral trade and investment agree- ties.” concern about the lack of fulfilment of ments involving developed and deve- commitments by developed countries. They underscored that developing loping countries to have sufficient In addressing this gap, the focus must countries continue to suffer the most special and differential treatment for not be limited to mitigation only but from the adverse impacts of climate developing countries to enable them to also address gaps relating to finance, change, even though they are the least retain adequate policy space for social technology and support for capacity- responsible for climate change. and economic development.” building, balanced with a focus on “Accordingly, we call for developed adaptation to climate change. We em- On Migration, the leaders recogni- countries to take the lead in responding phasize that developed countries must zed the need to address this issue to climate change.” take robust and ambitious mitigation through international, regional or bila- They added: “We recognize that commitments, with ambitious quanti- teral cooperation and dialogue and low-lying and other small island coun- tative targets for limiting and reducing through a comprehensive, balanced, tries, developing countries with low- emissions, as required by science and coordinated and coherent approach, lying coastal, arid and semi-arid areas mandated by the United Nations Fra- recognizing the role and responsibili- or areas liable to floods, drought and mework Convention on Climate ties of countries of origin, transit and desertification, and developing coun- Change. destination in promoting and protec- tries with fragile mountainous ecosys- ting effectively the human rights and “We reiterate the urgency of expe- tems are particularly vulnerable to the fundamental freedoms of all migrants diting the process of operationalizing adverse effects of climate change.” and their families, especially those of the Green Climate Fund and for its women and children, regardless of They reaffirmed the importance of early capitalization, and call upon their migration status. implementing the Warsaw internatio- developed countries to meet the goal nal mechanism for loss and damage of mobilizing $100 billion each year by They noted that migration remains associated with climate change impacts 2020 to address the needs of deve- inadequately reflected in development adopted at the nineteenth session of the loping countries.” frameworks at both the national and UNFCCC Conference of the Parties in global levels. “Therefore, we are explo- November 2013 and the urgency of ring the possibility of a legally binding

Page 16 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 On Biological diversity, the Decla- their biodiversity, enabling their conser- ding the right to privacy, and of any ration recognised the severity of global vation and sustainable use. action of this nature directed against biodiversity loss and degradation of any Member State, in particular a State On Internet governance, including ecosystems, and the importance of the member of the Group of 77. the right to privacy, the leaders stated: role of the collective actions of the indi- “We view with dismay that some coun- “We further underscore the impor- genous people and local communities tries have recently been undertaking tance of ensuring that the use of such for the protection, use and conservation extensive, arbitrary and unlawful sur- technologies should be fully compa- of biodiversity. veillance and/or interception of com- tible with the purposes and principles They welcomed the outcomes of the munications, including extraterritorial of the Charter of the United Nations CBD’s eleventh meeting of the Confe- surveillance and/or interception of and international law, in particular the rence of the Parties to the Convention communications as well as the collec- principles of sovereignty, the non- in Hyderabad in 2012, especially the tion of personal data, including on a interference in internal matters and commitment to doubling biodiversity- mass scale, on people and institutions the internationally recognized rules of related international financial flows to in other countries, including on political civil coexistence among States. developing countries by 2015 and at leaders, senior officials and various go- “In this regard, we take note with least maintaining this level until 2020 vernment departments and agencies, as concern of the information published to contribute to the achievement of the well as citizens. in international media about the objec- Convention’s three objectives, and cal- “We call for the ending of such acti- tives of the so-called “ZunZuneo” net- led for a review of progress on this at vities, which violate the human right to work, which would constitute an illicit the COP’s twelfth meeting towards privacy of individuals and have a nega- use of new information and communi- adopting a final target for resource mo- tive impact on the relations between cations technologies. bilization. countries. In this regard, we all call for “We therefore reiterate our com- On Forests, the Declaration noted intergovernmental entities to discuss mitment to intensifying international the outcome of the tenth session of the and review the use of information and efforts directed at safeguarding cy- United Nations Forum on Forests in communications technologies to ensure berspace and promoting its exclusive 2013, and underscored the importance that they fully comply with internatio- use for the achievement of peaceful of the four global objectives on forests nal law, including human rights law, in purposes and as a vehicle to contri- and especially the fourth objective accordance with the purpose and prin- bute to both economic and social deve- since it identifies the need to reverse ciples of the Charter of the United Na- lopment, and highlight that internatio- the reduction in ODA and to mobilize tions.” nal cooperation, in full respect of hu- new and additional financial resources They emphasized the important man rights, is the only viable option for the implementation of sustainable opportunities provided by information for fostering the positive effects of in- forest management. and communications technologies, in- formation and communications tech- It called for the establishment of a cluding social media and related infras- nologies, preventing their potential new global forest fund in line with the tructure, but also recognised that the negative effects, promoting their principles of sustainable development, illegal use of these technologies has a peaceful and legitimate use and gua- and in order to channel the funds negative impact on nations and their ranteeing that both scientific and tech- needed by developing countries to sus- citizens. nological progress is directed at pre- tainably manage their forests. serving peace and promoting the wel- “In this regard, we express our fare and development of our socie- On Desertification, land degrada- strong rejection of the use of informa- ties.” tion and drought, the Declaration reaf- tion and communications technologies firmed these are serious concerns for in violation of international law, inclu- By Martin Khor developing countries and that interna- tional action is urgently required. There is the need for cooperation through the sharing of climate and weather information and forecasting and early warning systems related to desertification, land degradation and drought, as well as to dust storms and sandstorms, at the global, regional and subregional levels. On Oceans and seas, the Declara- tion stressed the importance of the con-

servation and sustainable use of the Va Como Bolivia oceans and seas and of their resources for sustainable development, and com- mitted to protect and restore the health,

productivity and resilience of oceans and marine ecosystems, to maintain View of the audience during the summit. Page 17 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 G77: Summit addresses MDGs, SDGs and Post- 2015 Development Agenda

The Declaration of the G77 Summit held in Santa Cruz on 14-15 areas of finance, trade, technology and June has sections on three prominent issues that are presently capacity-building, to developing coun- the subject of negotiations at the United Nations – the Millen- tries. nium Development Goals, Sustainable Development Goals and  The process and outcome of the the UN’s Post-2015 Development Agenda. SDGs Open Working Group should fully respect all the Rio Principles, in particular the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.  The need to define adequate means of implementation for each and every sustainable development goal, as well as the need for a dedicated sustainable development goal on the strengthened global partnership for sustainable development containing

Evan Schneider/UN Photo Photo Schneider/UN Evan broader commitments on the means of implementation and international cooperation for sustainable develop- ment.  The central importance of a just, transparent and inclusive intergovern-

mental negotiation process in the esta- blishment of the post-2015 agenda; this process will need to focus on its UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (centre) and his wife, Yoo Soon-taek (right), with President Evo Morales of Bolivia (left) in El Torno Municipality, Bolivia on 13 June 2014. This town is one of the most productive in the re- modalities and substantive aspects to gion. It produces citrus fruits and it is given the name "the capital of the citrus". arrive at a negotiated and agreed out- come document. he Declaration should have signifi-  There are unevenness and gaps in T cant influence on the UN negotia- achieving the Millennium Development  Poverty eradication must remain tions since it reflects the positions of Goals. Many developing countries are the central and overarching objective the G77 and China, at the highest poli- not on track to achieving them by 2015. of the post-2015 development agenda, tical level, and these positions can be Goal 8 on global partnership for deve- which should aim to eradicate poverty expected to be maintained by the lopment is key and without internatio- by 2030. Group during the negotiations on nal support and systemic changes, seve- MDGs, SDGs and the Post-2015 Deve- ral of the Goals will not be achieved in  The post-2015 development lopment Agenda. many developing countries by 2015. agenda must fully adhere to the Rio Principles, in particular the principle The negotiations on the SDGs are  Poverty eradication is the greatest of common but differentiated respon- now taking place in New York and global challenge facing the world today sibilities. have reached their critical phase, with and an indispensable requirement for the report of the Open Working Group sustainable development.  The importance in the post-2015 scheduled to be presented to the Gene- Development Agenda of strengthe- ral Assembly this September. The inter  SDGs should focus on integration ning the global partnership for deve- -governmental negotiations on the Post of the three dimensions of sustainable lopment, to be based on quantified -2015 Development Agenda are ex- development (economic, social and en- and time-bound targets, consistent pected to begin soon after September vironmental), and the outcome docu- with MDG No. 8 and in accordance 2014 when a working group is establis- ment of the Rio+20 summit is the basis with the principle of common but dif- hed for this issue. for the work of the Open Working ferentiated responsibilities. Group on SDGs. The Development Agenda negotia-  North-South cooperation re- tions will culminate in a Development  Progress in realizing the MDGs, mains the core of this partnership and Summit that is expected to be held in SDGs and the post-2015 development strengthened commitment from deve- September 2015 or later. agenda will depend on a pro- loped countries is therefore required development, international, enabling to enhance international cooperation Some of the key points made in the environment and delivering the means and scale up support for developing Declaration are as follows: of implementation, particularly in the

Page 18 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 countries. lenges that remain in developing coun- ment of the UN Conference on Sustai- tries, many of which are not on track to nable Development, respecting all the  The post-2015 development achieving them by 2015. Rio Principles and taking into account agenda must address issues of reform different national circumstances, capa- of the institutions of global economic They underscored the central role of cities and priorities. They also reaf- governance, to strengthen the voice the global partnership for development firmed that the outcome document of and the importance of MDG No. 8 in and participation of developing coun- that UN Conference is the basis for the tries in decision-making in these insti- achieving all the Goals and that without work of the Open Working Group on tutions. substantial international support and SDGs. systemic changes, several of the Goals  The global economic, financial will not be achieved in many deve- They also stressed that progress in and trading systems remain imbalan- loping countries by 2015. realizing the MDGs, SDGs and the ced, to the disadvantage of developing post-2015 development agenda “will They called on the international countries; it is important to identify, in depend on progress in creating a pro- community to “intensify its efforts to the post-2015 development agenda, the development, international, enabling provide enhanced means of implemen- weaknesses and imbalances of these environment and delivering the rele- tation to developing countries through global systems and propose actions for vant means of implementation, parti- a renewed global partnership based on improvements. cularly in the areas of finance, trade, the collective quest to eradicate poverty technology and capacity-building, to  The need for a sound implemen- and deprivation.” tation mechanism for the post-2015 developing countries.” On Sustainable development and agenda to ensure development re- They reaffirmed that the guiding sustainable development goals, the sources for the attainment of goals. principles of the SDGs must be based Declaration reaffirmed the statement by on all principles set out at the major  The need for a responsible ac- world leaders in the outcome document United Nations summits and confe- countability approach to be adopted on of the United Nations Conference on rences in the social, environmental partnerships involving the UN, parti- Sustainable Development, “The future and economic fields and be consistent cularly as regards participation of the we want”, that poverty eradication is with international law. The process private sector, civil society and philan- the greatest global challenge facing the and outcome of the SDGs Open thropic entities, and for procedures to world today and an indispensable re- Working Group should fully respect consider and approve any such initia- quirement for sustainable development. tives by Member States in the General all the Rio Principles, in particular the Assembly, in order to preserve the in- “We reiterate that eradicating pover- principle of common but differen- tergovernmental nature of the UN. ty, changing unsustainable patterns of tiated responsibilities. The SDGs consumption and production, promo- should contribute to the full imple-  The importance for the post-2015 ting sustainable patterns of consump- mentation of the outcomes of all the development agenda to fully respect tion and production, and protecting major summits in the economic, social the development policy space of deve- and managing the natural resource base and environmental fields. loping countries to make use of policy for economic and social development They reaffirmed that “planet Earth tools and measures that are required to are the overarching objectives of and and its ecosystems are our home and implement their policies. essential requirements for sustainable that “Mother Earth” is a common ex- development,” said the statement.  The post-2015 development pression in a number of countries and agenda should promote rapid, sustai- “We also reaffirm the need to regions, and note that some countries ned and inclusive economic growth in achieve sustainable development by recognize the rights of nature in the developing countries as a key require- promoting sustained, inclusive and context of the promotion of sustai- ment for eradicating poverty and hun- equitable economic growth, creating nable development.” ger and reducing inequalities within greater opportunities for all, reducing They were convinced that to and among countries. inequalities, raising basic standards of achieve a just balance among the living, fostering equitable social deve- In the Declaration’s section on Mil- economic, social and environment lopment and inclusion, and promoting lennium Development Goals, the poli- needs of present and future genera- integrated and sustainable management tical leaders expressed their commit- tions, it is necessary to promote har- of natural resources and ecosystems ment to strengthen efforts to achieve mony with nature. They called for a that supports, inter alia, economic, so- the MDGs by 2015 and to take a lea- holistic, integrated approach to sustai- cial and human development while ding role in shaping the international nable development, which may in- facilitating ecosystem conservation, development agenda during the post- clude, among others, the recognition regeneration and restoration and re- 2015 period. They called upon the in- by some countries of the principles silience in the face of new and emerging ternational community to redouble all mentioned above, to guide humanity challenges.” efforts for the accelerated achievement to live in harmony with nature and of the Goals by 2015 through concrete They stressed that sustainable deve- lead to efforts to restore the health and measures. lopment goals should address and be integrity of the Earth’s ecosystems. focused on the integration of the three They noted the progress achieved so They welcomed the General As- dimensions of sustainable development far on the MDGs but were concerned sembly dialogue on Harmony with (economic, social and environmental) about the unevenness and gaps in Nature in April 2013, to commemorate and be guided by the outcome docu- achievement and about the vast chal- International Mother Earth Day. They

Page 19 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 stressed that the report of the Open and an indispensable requirement for North-South cooperation remains Working Group must be the result of sustainable development, the leaders the core of this partnership and South- an inclusive intergovernmental pro- emphasized that “poverty eradication South and triangular cooperation are a cess. must remain the central and overar- useful complement to North-South ching objective of the post-2015 deve- cooperation. They underscored the need to de- lopment agenda. We strongly support fine adequate means of implementa- “Strengthened commitment from the view that the post-2015 develop- tion for each and every sustainable developed countries is therefore requi- ment agenda should reinforce the com- development goal, as well as the need red to enhance international coopera- mitment of the international communi- for a dedicated sustainable develop- tion and scale up support for deve- ty to eradicate poverty by 2030.” ment goal on the strengthened global loping countries”, stated the Declara- partnership for sustainable develop- The Declaration underlined the tion. ment containing broader commitments need for a coherent approach to the “We emphasize the need for deve- on the means of implementation and post-2015 development agenda, which loped countries to urgently fulfil the international cooperation for sustai- should reinforce the commitment of ODA commitments they have made, nable development. the international community to pover- individually and collectively, including ty eradication and the integration of On the Post-2015 development the target of allocating 0.7 per cent of the three dimensions of sustainable agenda, the leaders reaffirmed the cen- their GNP to ODA by 2015 and the development in a balanced manner trality of a just, transparent and inclu- target of allocating between 0.15 and with the contributions of the SDGs sive intergovernmental negotiation 0.20 per cent of their GNP for LDCs. Open Working Group, the financing process in the establishment of the for development process, the Intergo- “We emphasize that the post-2015 post-2015 agenda, as decided at the vernmental Committee on Experts for development agenda must meaningful- special event towards achieving the Sustainable Development Financing, ly address issues of reform of the insti- MDGs in 2013. the process to develop options for a tutions of global economic governance They stressed that this intergovern- UN technology facilitation mechanism in order to strengthen the voice and mental process will need to focus on and other relevant processes. participation of developing countries its modalities and substantive aspects in decision-making in these institu- The leaders reaffirmed that the to arrive at a negotiated and agreed tions. post-2015 development agenda must outcome document, taking fully into fully adhere to the Rio Principles, in “We also note that the global econo- account the outcomes of the various particular the principle of common but mic, financial and trading systems re- follow-up processes mandated at the differentiated responsibilities. main imbalanced, to the disadvantage UN Conference on Sustainable Deve- of developing countries, and in this lopment as well as of the major sum- They underscored the importance of regard we stress the importance of mits and conferences related to the strengthening the global partnership identifying, in the post-2015 develop- social, economic and environmental for development, to be based on quan- ment agenda, the weaknesses and im- fields. tified and time-bound targets, consis- balances of these global systems and of tent with MDG No. 8 and in accor- Recalling the statement made at the proposing actions for improvements dance with the principle of common Rio+20 summit, that poverty eradica- with the aim of supporting the deve- but differentiated responsibilities in the tion is the greatest global challenge lopment agenda and the programmes post-2015 development agenda. of developing countries. “We affirm the need for a sound implementation mechanism for the post-2015 agenda to ensure develop- ment resources for the attainment of goals. In this regard, we call for the intensification of development finan- cing, for the establishment and impro- vement of mechanisms of technology transfer and for the enhancement of

AIZAR RALDES/AFP/Getty Images Images RALDES/AFP/Getty AIZAR efforts to build the capacities of deve- loping countries. “We call for a responsible accounta- bility approach to be adopted on the question of partnerships involving the UN, particularly as regards participa- tion of the private sector, civil society and philanthropic entities. In this re-

(Continued on page 25) Aymara indigenous take part in a rally congregating thousands of representatives of regional social movements in Santa Cruz on June 14, 2014, as part of G77 Summit celebration events. Page 20 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 Towards a New World Order for Living Well: For a Global Brotherhood Among the Peoples Address by President Evo Morales at the opening of the G77 This unfair manner of concentrat- Special Summit of Heads of States and Governments ing wealth and this predatory way of destroying nature are also giving rise to a structural crisis that is becoming unsustainable over time. It is indeed a structural crisis. It impacts every component of capitalist development; in other words, it is a mutually nurtured crisis involving finances, energy, climate, water, food, institutions and values. It is a crisis inherent to the capitalist civilization. The financial crisis was prompted

Bolivia Como Va Como Bolivia by the greedy pursuit of financial capi- tal, which led to profound internation- al financial speculation, a practice that favored certain groups, multinational

corporations or power centers that amassed wealth. President Evo Morales (left) addressing the opening ceremony of the G77 Summit. These financial bubbles that gener- ifty years ago, great leaders raised underscored. ate speculative gains eventually burst, the flags of the anticolonial strug- and in the process, they plunge into F In spite of these efforts and struggles gle and decided to join their peoples in poverty the workers who received for equality and justice for the peoples a march along the path of sovereignty inexpensive credits, the middle-class around the world, the hierarchies and and independence. saving-account holders who trusted inequalities have grown in the world. their savings to greedy speculators, Those were the times when the Today, 10 countries in the world who overnight went bankrupt or took world superpowers and multinationals control 40% of the world’s total wealth their capital to other foreign countries, were battling with each other over the and 15 multinational corporations con- thus leading entire nations into bank- control of territories and natural re- trol 50% of the global output. ruptcy. sources in order to feed their growth at the expense of the poverty of the peo- Today, like 100 years ago, acting in We are also faced with an energy ples of the south. the name of the free market and democ- crisis that is driven by the excessive racy, a handful of imperial powers in- consumption in developed countries, In this context, on June 15, 1964, by vades countries, blocks trade, imposes the pollution of energy sources and the end of an UNCTAD meeting, 77 prices on the rest of the world, chokes the energy hording practices by multi- countries (currently 133 plus China) national economies, plots against pro- national corporations. from the south met to enhance their gressive governments and applies espi- trade bargaining capacities, by acting In parallel, we witness a drop in onage to the population worldwide. in a block that advanced their collective reserves worldwide and high costs of interests and respected their individual A tiny elite of countries and multina- oil and gas development, while pro- sovereign decisions. tional corporations control, in an au- duction capacity drops due to the thoritarian fashion, the destinies of the gradual depletion of fossil fuels and During the past 50 years, these world, its economies and its natural global climate change. countries went beyond their statements resources. and promoted resolutions at the UN The climate crisis is caused by the and embarked on shared actions in The economic and social inequality anarchical capitalist production, the favor of development underpinned by among regions, among countries, consumption levels and unharnessed South-South cooperation, a new world among social classes and among indi- industrialization of which, have given economic order, a responsibility for viduals has grown abusively. rise to excess emissions of polluting climate change and economic relations gases that in turn have led to global About 0.1% of the world’s popula- based on preferential treatment. warming and natural disasters with tion owns 20% of the asset base of man- effects on the world all over. In this journey, the struggle for de- kind. In 1920, a US business manager colonization, as well as for the peoples’ made 20 fold the wage of a worker; at For more than 15 000 years prior to self-determination and sovereignty present, the difference is 331 fold. the era of capitalist industrialization, over their natural resources must be the load of green-house gases did not

Page 21 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 exceed 250 particles per million of mol- in particular, the native, indigenous have options and we can defeat the ecules in the air. peasant movement, have helped us fate imposed by colonialism and ne- launch a Democratic and Cultural Rev- oliberalism. Since the 19th century, and in partic- olution, through ballot win and without ular the 20th and 21st centuries, thanks These achievements produced in the use of violence. This revolution is to the actions of predatory capitalism, rooting out exclusion, exploitation, such a short span are attributable to this count has risen to 400 particles, hunger and hatred, and it is rebuilding the social and political awareness of and as a result, global warming has the Bolivian people. the path of balance, complementarity, become an irreversible process with its consensus with home-grown identity; We have recovered our nation for aftermath of weather disasters the pri- i.e., the live-well model. all of us. Ours was a nation that had mary impacts of which are felt in the been alienated by the neoliberal poorest and most vulnerable countries In 2006, the Bolivian government model, a nation that lived under the introduced a new economic and social of the south; specially, the island na- old and evil system of political par- policy, as enshrined in a new Commu- tions that are being hit by the thawing ties, a nation that was ruled from glaciers. nity-based socioeconomic and produc- abroad, as if we were a colony. tive model, the pillars of which are the In turn, global warming is giving nationalization of natural resources, the We are no longer the unviable rise to a water supply crisis that is com- recovery of the financial profits for ap- country we were described as by the pounded by the privatization, source plication in the benefit of the entire Bo- international financial institutions. depletion and commercialization of livian people, the redistribution of the We are no longer an ungovernable fresh water. As a consequence, the wealth, and the active involvement of country as the US empire would have number of people without access to the State in the economic activity. us believe. running water is growing fast. In 2006, the Bolivian State and peo- Today, the Bolivian people have The water shortage in many parts of ple made their most significant politi- recovered their dignity and pride, the planet is causing armed conflicts cal, economic and social decision; i.e., and we believe in our strength, our and wars that further worsen the avail- the nationalization of the country’s hy- destiny and our own selves. ability of this non-renewable resource. drocarbons, a core decision of our revo- I want to tell the entire world in The world population is growing, lution. As a result of this measure, the the most humble terms that the only while food production is dropping, and State participates in and controls the wise architects that can change their these trends are leading to a food crisis. ownership of our hydrocarbons and future are the peoples themselves. processes our natural gas. Add to these issues the reduction of Therefore, we intend to build an- food-growing lands, the imbalances Contrary to the neoliberal prescrip- other world, and several tasks have between urban and rural areas, the mo- tion that economic growth ought to be been designed to establish the live- nopoly exercised by multinational cor- based on external market demand well society. porations over the distribution of seeds (“export or die”), our new model has and agricultural inputs, and the food FIRST: WE MUST MOVE FROM relied on a combination of exports with pricing speculation. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT a domestic market growth that is pri- TO COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOP- The imperial model of concentration marily driven by income-redistribution MENT SO THAT WE CAN LIVE and speculation also caused an institu- policies, relaxation and successive rais- WELL AND IN HARMONY AND tional crisis that is described as an un- es of the national minimum wage, an- BALANCE WITH MOTHER EARTH. equal and unjust distribution of power nual salary increases in excess of the in the world; in particular, within the inflation rate, cross subsidies, and We need to conceive a vision that is UN system; including, without limita- transfer vouchers to the neediest. different from the western capitalist tion, the IMF and the WTO. development model. We must move As a consequence, the Bolivian GDP from the sustainable development As a result of all these issues, the grew from $9.0 bn. to over $30.0 bn. in paradigm to the live-well comprehen- peoples’ social rights are at stake. The the past eight years. sive development approach that seeks promise of equality and justice for the Our nationalized hydrocarbons, eco- not only a balance among human be- whole world is increasingly distant, nomic growth and cost austerity policy ings, but also a balance and harmony and the survival of nature is being have helped the country generate budg- with our Mother Earth. threatened by extinction. et surpluses for eight years in a row, in No development model can be sus- We have come to a limit, and global sharp contrast with the recurrent budg- tainable if production destroys Mother actions must be taken urgently to save et deficits experienced by Bolivia for Earth as a source of life and our own society, humanity and Mother Earth. more than 66 years. existence. No economy can be long Bolivia has started to take steps to When we took over the country’s lasting if it generates inequalities and address these issues. Up to 2005, Boliv- administration, the ratio between the exclusions. ia applied a neoliberal policy that gave wealthiest and poorest Bolivians was No progress is just and desirable if rise to wealth concentration, social ine- 128 fold. This ratio has been cut down the well-being of some is at the ex- quality and poverty. As a result, mar- to 46 fold. At present, Bolivia ranks pense of the exploitation and impover- ginalization, discrimination and social among the top six countries with the ishment of others. exclusion rose. In Bolivia, the historic best income distribution in our region. struggles waged by social movements; It has been shown that the peoples

Page 22 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 “Live-Well Comprehensive Devel- wealth, embark on a planning process opment” means the supply of wellbe- that leads to the processing of raw ma- ing for everyone, without exclusions. It terials, and distribute the profit among means respect for the diverse econo- its people. mies of our societies. It means respect Exercising sovereignty over natural for local knowledge. It means respect resources and strategic areas does not for Mother Earth and its biodiversity as mean isolation from global markets; a source of nurture for future genera- rather, it means connecting to those tions. markets in the benefits of our countries,

Live-Well Comprehensive Develop- and not in the benefit of few private ment also means production to satisfy owners. Sovereignty over natural re- actual needs, rather than to expand sources and strategic areas does not profits infinitely. mean preventing foreign capital and technologies from participating. It It means to distribute wealth and to left green Weekly means subordinating these capital and heal the wound caused by inequality, technologies to the needs of each coun- President Evo Morales put forward nine tasks rather than widening the injustice. that developing countries should undertake try. during his opening address. It means combining modern science THIRDLY: WELLBEING FOR EVE- building a new financial system that with the age-old technological wisdom RYONE AND THE PROVISION OF prioritizes the requirements of the held by the indigenous, native and BASIC SERVICES AS A HUMAN productive operations in the countries peasant peoples that interact with na- RIGHT. ture respectfully. of the South, within the context of The worst tyranny faced by hu- comprehensive development. It means listening to the people, mankind is the basic services under rather than the financial markets. We must incorporate and enhance the control of multinational corpora- banks of the South that support indus- It means placing Nature at the core tions. This practice subjugates human- trial development projects, reinforce of life and regarding the human being ity to the specific interests and com- regional and domestic markets, and as just another creature of Nature. mercial aims of a minority that be- promote trade among our countries, The Live-Well Comprehensive De- comes rich and powerful at the ex- but on the basis of complementarity velopment model of respect for Mother pense of the life and security of other and solidarity. persons. Earth is not an environmentalist econo- We also need to promote sovereign my for poor countries, while the rich This is why we claim that basic regulation over the global financial nations expand inequality and destroy services are inherent to the human transactions that threaten the stability Nature. condition. How can a human being of our national economies. Comprehensive development is live without running water, power We must design an international only viable if applied worldwide, if the supply or communications? If human mechanism for the restructure of our States, in conjunction with their respec- rights make us all equal, this equality debts that help reinforce the depend- tive peoples, exercise control over their can only be realized if access to basic ence of the peoples of the south and energy resources. services is universal. Access to water, strangle our chances of development. light and communications makes us We need technologies, investments, We must replace the international production and credits, as well as com- all equal. financial institutions, such as the IMF, panies and markets, but we shall not for other entities that provide for a subordinate them to the dictatorship of The resolution of social inequities requires that both the international law better and broader participation of the profit gain and luxury. Instead, we countries of the South in their decision must place them at the service of the and the national legislation of each country define basic services (such as -making structures that are currently peoples in the satisfaction of their managed by imperial powers. needs and for the expansion of the water, power supply, communications shared goods and assets. and basic health care) as a fundamental We also need to define limits to the human right of every individual. gains from speculation and to the ex- SECONDLY: SOVEREIGNTY EX- cessive accumulation of wealth. ERCISED OVER NATURAL RE- This means that the States have a SOURCES AND STRATEGIC ARE- legal obligation to secure the universal FIFTHLY: BUILD A MAJOR ECO- AS. provision of basic services, irrespective NOMIC, SCIENTIFIC, TECHNO- of their costs or margins. LOGICAL AND CULTURAL PART- The countries that have raw materi- FOURTHLY: EMANCIPATION NERSHIP AMONG THE MEMBERS als should and can take sovereign con- OF G-77 PLUS CHINA. trol over the production and processing FROM THE EXISTING INTERNA- of their raw materials. TIONAL FINANCIAL SYSTEM AND After centuries under colonial rule, CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW FI- transfer of wealth to imperial metrop- The nationalization of strategic com- NANCIAL ARCHITECTURE. olises and impoverishment of our panies and areas can help the State take economies, the southern countries are over the management of production, We propose that we rid ourselves from the international financial yoke by exercise sovereign control over its

Page 23 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 once again gaining critical importance SIXTHLY: ERADICATE HUNGER by imperial powers in their quest for in the performance of the world econo- FROM AROUND THE WORLD. the natural resources available in the my. It is imperative that hunger be eradi- invaded countries. Instead of a Securi- ty Council, today we witness an inse- Asia, Africa and Latin America are cated and the human right to food be curity council of imperial wars. not only home to 77% of the world’s fully exercised and enforced. population, but also account for nearly Food production must be prioritized No country, no institution and no 43% share in the world economy. And with the involvement of small growers interest can justify the invasion of a this importance is on the rise. The peo- and the indigenous peasant communi- country by another nation. The sover- ples of the South are the future of the ties that hold age-old knowledge in eignty of the States and the internal world. regards this activity. resolution of the conflicts existing in any country are the foundation of Immediate actions must be taken to To be successful in hunger eradica- peace and the UN. reinforce and plan this inescapable tion, the southern countries must lay global trend. down the conditions for democratic and I stand here to denounce the unjust economic blockade imposed on Cuba We need to expand trade among the equitable access to land ownership, in a and the aggressive and illegal policies southern countries. We also need to manner that monopolies over this re- pursued by the US government gear our productive operations to the source are not authorized to exist in the against Venezuela, including a legisla- requirements of other economies in the form of latifundia. Notwithstanding, tive initiative offered at the US Senate South, on the basis of complementarity acreage fragmentation into small and Foreign Relations Committee de- necessities and capacities. unproductive plots must not be allowed either. signed to apply sanctions to this coun- We need to implement technology try to the detriment of its sovereignty transfer programs among the southern Food sovereignty and security must and political independence; a clear countries. Technological sovereignty be enhanced through access to healthy breach of the principles and purposes and leadership that are critical for a foods in the benefit of the people. of the UN Charter. new global economy based on justice The monopoly held by multinational These forms of persecution and will not be obtained by any country corporations over the supply of farm internationally driven overthrows are acting on its own. supplies must be eliminated as a way to the traits of modern colonialism, the Science must be an asset held by the foster food security and sovereignty. colonial practices of our era. entire humankind. Science must be Each country must make sure that These are our times, the times of placed at the service of everyone’s the supply of the basic food staples con- the South. We must be able to over- wellbeing, without exclusions or he- sumed by its people is secured by en- come and heal the wounds caused by gemony. A decent future for all the hancing production, cultural and envi- fratricidal wars stirred by foreign capi- peoples around the world will require ronmental practices, and by promoting talistic interests. We must strengthen integration for liberation, rather than people-to-people exchanges on the ba- our integration schemes in support of cooperation for domination. sis of solidarity. The States have an our peaceful coexistence, our develop- For the purpose of discharging these obligation to ensure the supply of pow- ment and our faith in shared values, worthy tasks in the benefit of the peo- er, the availability of road connections such as justice. ples around the world, we have invited and the access to water and organic Only by standing together will we Russia and other foreign countries that fertilizers. be able to give our peoples a decent are our brothers in needs and commit- SEVENTH: STRENGTHEN THE life. ments to join the G-77. SOVEREIGNTY OF THE STATES, EIGHTH: DEMOCRATIC RE- Our G-77 partnership does not have FREE FROM FOREIGN INTERFER- NEWAL OF OUR STATES. an institution of its own that gives ef- ENCE, INTERVENTION AND/OR fect to the remarks, statements and ac- ESPIONAGE. The era of the empires, colonial tion plans of our countries. For this Within the framework of the UN, a hierarchies and financial oligarchies is reason, Bolivia proposes that a decolo- new institutional structure must be pro- coming to an end. Everywhere we nization and South-South cooperation pitiated in support of a new world or- look, we see the peoples around the institute be established. der to live well. world calling for their right to play their leading role in history. This institute will be charged with The institutions that emerged after the provision of technical assistance to World War II, including the UN, are in The 21st century must be one of the the southern countries, as well as the need of a thorough reform today. peoples, the workers, the farmers, the further implementation of the pro- indigenous communities, the youth posals made by the G-77 plus China. International agencies that promote and the women. In other words, it peace, eliminate global hegemony and must be the century of the oppressed. The institute will also supply tech- advance equality among states are re- nical and capacity-building assistance quired. The realization of the peoples’ lead- for development and self - ing role requires that democracy be determination, and it will help conduct For this reason, the UN Security renewed and strengthened. We must research projects. We propose that this Council must be removed. Rather than supplement the electoral democracy institute be headquartered in Bolivia. fostering peace among nations, this body has promoted wars and invasions

Page 24 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 with participatory and community- power. Democ- based democracy. racy means serving the We must move away from the lim- people with ited parliamentary and party-based love and self- governance and into the social govern- NACIONES ACERCANDO sacrifice. De- ance of democracy. mocracy means This means that the decision- dedication of making process in any State must take t i m e , into consideration its parliamentary knowledge, deliberations, as well as the delibera- effort and even

tions held by the social movements that life in the pur- carry the life-giving energy of our peo- suit of the well- being of the ples. The city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra in Bolivia hosted the G77 and China Summit on 14-15 peoples and The renovation of democracy in this June 2014 which celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Group. humanity. century also requires that any political nated. action represents a permanent and full NINTH: A NEW WORLD RISING service to life. This service constitutes FROM THE SOUTH FOR THE Only we can save the source of life an ethical, humane and moral commit- WHOLE OF HUMANKIND. and society: Mother Earth. Our planet ment to our peoples, to the humblest is under a death threat by the greed of The time has come for the nations of predatory and insane capitalism. masses. the south. For this purpose, we must reinstate Today, another world is not only In the past, we were colonized and possible, but also indispensable. the codes of our forefathers; i.e., “thou enslaved. Our stolen labor built em- shall not steal or lie and thou shall not pires in the North. Today, another world is indispen- be soft or toady.” sable because, otherwise, no world Today, with every step we take for will be possible. Democracy also means the distribu- our liberation, the empires grow deca- tion of wealth and the expansion of the dent and begin to crumble. And that other world of equality, common goods shared by the society. complementarity and organic coexist- However, our liberation is not just Democracy means the subordina- ence with Mother Earth can only the emancipation of the peoples of the emerge from the thousands of lan- tion of rulers to the decisions of the south. Our liberation is also for the ruled. guages, colors and cultures existing in whole humanity. We are not fighting to brotherhood among the peoples of the Democracy is not a personal benefit dominate anyone. We are fighting to south. vested in the rulers, let alone abuse of make sure that no one becomes domi-

G77 Summit on MDGs, achieving sustainable development. actions for each of them. SDGs and Post-2015 DA “We also stress the importance for The categories of countries covered the post-2015 development agenda, if it in Part V include Africa, the least deve- (Continued from page 20) is to be global in nature and universally loped countries, the small island deve- gard, we reaffirm the need to enhance applicable to all, to fully respect the loping States, the landlocked deve- transparency, coherence and sustaina- development policy space of deve- loping countries, and middle-income bility, as well as accountability to Mem- loping countries to make use of policy countries. tools and measures that are required to ber States, in UN partnerships, and The Declaration also dealt with and implement their policies for poverty stress the need to ensure that called for action in relation to the Occu- eradication and other developmental procedures exist for the consideration pied Palestinian Territory and the Pa- plans and programmes. and approval of any such initiatives by lestinian people; the issue of Argentina Member States in the General Assem- “We also stress that the post-2015 and the United Kingdom on the ques- bly, in order to preserve the intergo- development agenda should promote tion of the Malvinas Islands; the sove- vernmental nature of the UN. rapid, sustained and inclusive econo- reignty issues facing developing coun- “We emphasize that the post-2015 mic growth in developing countries as tries, including the dispute over the development agenda should be an a key requirement for eradicating po- Chagos archipelago, including Diego agenda for development, and in this verty and hunger and reducing inequa- Garcia; the rejection of imposition of context it is important to advance lities within and among countries.“ laws and regulations with extraterrito- rial impact and all other forms of coer- economic, social and environmental The Declaration also has a Part V cive economic measures including uni- development in a comprehensive, ba- on “Particular needs of developing lateral sanctions against developing lanced and coordinated manner. This countries in special situations.” agenda should be broader than that of countries; the embargo of the US the Millennium Development Goals This Part contains summary des- against Cuba and the economic sanc- and aim to include areas, issues and criptions of the needs and challenges tions imposed on the Sudan. faced by various categories of deve- groups of populations that are key to By Martin Khor loping countries, and proposals for

Page 25 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 The G77 Geneva celebrates 50th anniversary with the launch of the Gamani Corea Forum

Two key statements were made by Mr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary- General of UNCTAD, and Mr. Mar- tin Khor, Executive Director of the South Centre. Mr. Mukhisa Kituyi stressed that fifty years ago, at the Palais des Na- tions, a group of nations came togeth- er with the firm determination to con- front and tackle the problems faced by developing countries. This determina- tion is part of the genesis of UNCTAD and the G77. He stressed that “our institutions have different mandates, but our DNA is similar and our histo- ry intertwined: half a century ago, both institutions were created for ad- vancing the development process”. G77 Geneva chapter commemorative meeting in progress. The group succeeded in becoming the “voice of developing nations”. Mr. By Adriano José Timossi our group and to our movement was Kituyi also said, “since its foundation Gamani Corea. His contributions to the High Level Meeting of the Group the group has provided the means for cause are many, and it is fitting that we of 77 and China to commemorate your countries to articulate and pro- A name in his honor our major initiative its fiftieth anniversary was held on 18 mote your collective economic inter- for the strengthening of the group.” The June 2014 at the Palais des Nations in ests, enhancing your joint negotiating Gamani Corea forum, he said, is “a sim- Geneva. H.E. Mr. Bamanga Abbas capacity on all major international ple yet potentially powerful initiative to Malloum, Ambassador, Permanent economic issues”. strengthen our group: it seeks to har- Representative of the Republic of ness the experience and knowledge of He congratulated the group for Chad and Chairperson of the Geneva former UNCTAD officials and diplo- setting up the Gamani Corea Forum as Chapter of the Group of 77 for 2014 mats in order to enhance the capacity it will serve as an important venue for opened the meeting noting that a half- of the Geneva chapter”. a reflection of constant efforts of de- century ago the founding fathers of the veloping countries to find ways to group met in Geneva with the noble The Geneva Chapter also launched address development challenges, and ambition to change the world for the the G77 Geneva occasional paper series. in particular, how to better harness better. “They sought to remedy the The intention is to provide a platform international trade for development. wrongs of centuries and realize a world for intellectual inputs from the South to “The choice of the Forum’s name re- of fairness, justice, and equity, in which be distributed to negotiators of the flects the interconnections between developing countries would take their group. The Chair of the G77 Geneva our institutions: Gamani Corea, a giant rightful place among the ranks of the Chapter invited all prosperous countries”. The Chair of the delegations to submit G77 and China said that for some documents and other members of the group, that dream similar intellectual in- came true. Others are on the threshold puts they wish to share of success. Many others remain as they with other group mem- were 50 years ago. What has not bers. Both initiatives changed is the undisputed fact that will “greatly enrich the what unites developing countries is intellectual efforts of more than their individual level of de- the group and indeed velopment; this is their solidarity and serve as a contribution commitment to bring prosperity for all. to the finalization of the Geneva Platform Speaking on the new initiative of the on Development which group, the Gamani Corea Forum, Am- we should finish by the bassador Malloum said that “a man Chairperson of the G77 and China in Geneva, Ambassador Bamanga Abbas end of this year,” he who embodied the finest principles of Malloum (left), and South Centre Executive Director Martin Khor in front of a said. poster of the launch of the Gamani Corea Forum, during the Group’s 50th the confident South that gave birth to anniversary celebration event in Geneva.

Page 26 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 of development thinking, was a true mentation of the Santa Cruz outcomes champion of the South and was also an as two key issues to be addressed in the essential pillar in the foundations of first Forum. UNCTAD”. H.E. Mr. Nkopane Monyane of the Mr. Martin Khor stated that fifty Kingdom of Lesotho on behalf of the years ago the Group of 77 was formed African Group commended the G77 with the goal to promote international members for the various achievements, economic equality and the interests of principles and values they have system- the developing world. He also said that atically defended during these past 50 the past fifty years have seen great suc- years, “especially the various endeav- cess including initiating the New Inter- ours aimed at vindicating the interests national Economic Order, the Right to of the Group for years to come”. Am- Development, and advancing the cause bassador Monyane also said that the of development in UNCTAD and many creation of the Group, on June 15, 1964 United Nations Conferences and Decla- in Geneva at the end of UNCTAD I, rations. He welcomed the new initia- remains a historic turning point in the tive by the Geneva Chapter of the multilateral system. “It allowed devel- Group of 77 and China noting that it is oping countries to establish a common “most fitting to establish the Gamani platform to express its principal con- cerns and consensually defend the eco- Corea Forum at this meeting as he was The G77’s new initiative, the Gamani Corea Forum, a great thinker, fighter and organizer nomic interests of developing countries. was named in honor of the man who embodied the for the developing world in all his ca- Through collective action, member principles of the South and made many contributions pacities as delegate, UNCTAD Secre- countries as a whole have acquired the to their cause. tary-General and Chair of the South capacity to influence the content of in- socioeconomic transformation within Centre”. Mr Khor concluded by wish- ternational discussions. The Group was the next 50 years”. ing the G77 an “even greater success initially made up of 77 members but Ms. Merlana Henry, representa- ahead in the many endeavors and bat- now stands at 133 members”. tive of Trinidad and Tobago, deliv- tles for development in the world econ- “During its fifty years of commit- ered the speech on behalf of the Latin omy and for the developing world's ment to development, the G77 and Chi- American and Caribbean Group interests in the year ahead”. na has continued to expend efforts in (GRULAC), and said that the estab- Delegations from various member the context of a rapidly changing global lishment of the G77 and China in 1964 states took the floor to deliver state- economy and the transformation of in- was a pivotal moment for multilateral- ments to the commemorative meeting. ternational economic relations. Faced ism. “Countries of the South, notwith- H.E. Ambassador Rajab M. Sukayri, with new challenges and the new op- standing their size, wealth and eco- Permanent Representative of Jordan, portunities lying ahead, much remains nomic and social systems, combined spoke on behalf of the Asian Group, to be done. In fact, the G77 and China, their efforts to pursue their vision for a saying that it was impossible to ad- has become a symbol of the unity of fair and equitable global economic dress the history of the United Nations developing countries, has focused on system with development and im- without understanding the impact of mitigating the vulnerability of our proved social welfare of their citizens the Group of 77. Fifty years from the countries, and empowering all towards at the heart of their initiative”, she inception of the G77, he called upon its a collective development. What is re- said. She also said that throughout its membership to continue to pursue quired, henceforth, is to strengthen our history the G77 and China has been a their broader objectives and always common will and individual commit- pillar of South-South solidarity and remain focused on their core value of ments, commensurate with the expecta- cooperation. Though there have been solidarity. “Despite the odds and de- tions of our countries and our people, moments of divergence due to the spite the differences that may mark the in favour of sustained economic growth Group’s diversity, through negotiation individual members of the group, at and development of our respective re- and cooperation, the Group has man- the end of the day we unite and defend gions.” aged to maintain its solidarity and each other, and advance the collective successfully functions as a unit bound “Given that the celebration of the interests of developing countries”. by common objectives. anniversary of the G77 coincides with Speaking on the Gamani Corea Forum the launch of the Gamani Corea Forum, “With a strong partner in the and its upcoming first session to be the African Group stands ready to rise UNCTAD Secretariat, the G77 and held in July he encouraged to “focus on to the challenges and contribute to the China lobbied for initiatives that ad- how to recapture the spirit of ‘64 to success of this Forum especially as Afri- dressed the key concerns of the South. better address the realities of today. We ca engages in discussions on the These included initiatives to address must recapture the spirit of UNCTAD “Agenda 2063” of the African Union debt relief; negotiations on a code of as an institution with a broad trans- where the continent should effectively conduct for the transfer of technology; formative agenda for a profoundly no- learn from the lessons of the past, build the launch of the Generalized System ble objective: to reform the internation- on the progress now underway and of Trade Preferences; and, of key im- al economic system to bring prosperity strategically exploit all possible oppor- portance, negotiations on the Declara- for all.” He identified the post-2015 tunities available in the immediate and tion on the New International Eco- development agenda and the imple- medium term, so as to ensure positive

Page 27 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 nomic Order. All these are crucial is- UNCTAD XIV, the preparative process to build a different view than that of sues promoted by Dr. Gamani Corea, for the Third International Conference Western capitalist development, and author of the first declaration of the on Financing for Development and the move from the paradigm of sustaina- Group of 77 and UNCTAD’s third Sec- climate conference. ble development to the paradigm of retary-General”. Integral Development for Living Well, H.E. Mr. Raul Silvero, Deputy Per- which seeks not only the balance be- The representative of GRULAC also manent Representative of Paraguay, tween human beings, but the balance reiterated that over the years the G77 on behalf of the Group of Landlocked and harmony with our Mother Earth.” and China has expanded beyond the Developing Countries (LLDCs), In this regard, she suggested the fol- focus on trade to include, among oth- stressed the need for a comprehensive lowing tasks to build the live-well so- ers, issues such as global governance, agenda, more than a sectorial one. The ciety: To move from sustainable devel- migration, climate change, intellectual LLDCs need to develop productive ca- opment to a holistic development for property, and access to knowledge. The pacity to trade and participate more living well, in harmony and balance Group’s ability to negotiate on these actively in the international market, not with Mother Earth; Sovereignty over issues was strengthened with the estab- only with commodities but with value- natural resources and strategic areas; lishment of the South Centre, think added goods. “We still need huge in- Welfare for all including basic services thank for the South, in 1995. The South vestment flows to establish transport as a human right; The emancipation of Centre, guided by its two principles - links and improve them as well in a the current international financial sys- South unity in diversity and South pro- regional cooperation scheme, including tem and building a new financial ar- gress through cooperation, provides matters related to border trade. We ask chitecture; Build a reinforced econom- sound policy advice to the G77 on a for the continued G77 and China sup- ic, scientific, technological and cultural range of major development related port and understanding in the develop- partnership of the G77 + China; Eradi- issues. ment challenges and difficulties faced by the LLDCs.” cate hunger in the world; Strengthen She noted that the Post-2015 agenda the sovereignty of states without inter- is another key issue upon which we H.E. Ms. Angélica Navarro Llanos, vention, interference or espionage; The should reflect as a Group: what value- Ambassador, Permanent Representa- democratic renewal of States; and A addition could be derived from the tive of the Plurinational State of Boliv- new world from the South for all man- post-2015 agenda? How can South- ia, host country of the G77 Summit, kind. "Today another world is neces- South solidarity and cooperation be which celebrated the 50th anniversary of sary because otherwise there will be enhanced to influence the implementa- the group, reiterated the words of Presi- no possible world (at all). And this tion of the sustainable development dent Evo Morales at the Santa Cruz other world of equality, complementa- goals? Summit of the G77 where he said that rity, and holistic coexistence with "50 years ago, great leaders raised the Mother Earth, can only arise from the Mr. Jesus Domingo, Assistant Sec- flags of the anti-colonial struggle and thousand languages, the thousand retary of the Office of the United Na- decided to march with their people colors, and the thousand cultures of tions and other International Organi- down the path of sovereignty and inde- zations, Department of Foreign Af- the peoples of the South." pendence...” In this context, she said, on fairs of the Philippines, the upcoming the 15th of June 1964, at the conclusion The representative of the Islamic Chair of the Group of 77 and China of the United Nations Conference on Republic of Iran, the Chair of the Geneva Chapter in 2015 welcomed the Trade and Development, 77 countries of Non-Aligned Movement said that the initiative to create an intellectual space the South met to improve their trade global economic crisis is a great eco- for further strengthening the intellectu- negotiations capacity, forming a group nomic challenge which has been com- al capacity of the Group at this im- of countries aiming to promote their pounded by long-standing and emerg- portant and historic time. “The cumula- collective interests and respecting their ing challenges such as food security, tive outcome of this work would form sovereign decisions. However, despite underdevelopment, climate change, the basis of our substantive prepara- all the efforts and struggles for equality and more, which should all be ad- tions for UNCTAD XIV, which begin in and justice of people around the world, dressed in a holistic manner and be earnest next year with the elaboration hierarchies and planetary inequalities tackled through concerted efforts. He of the theme and sub-themes of the have increased. But this unfair concen- also said that “despite challenges we conference”. tration of wealth, this predatory way to were faced with in recent years, we His Excellency Mr. Séraphin Lis- destroy nature, is also generating a also witnessed successes. These suc- sassi, Ambassador Extraordinary and structural crisis that is becoming unten- cesses were a result of the cohesion Plenipotentiary, Permanent Repre- able in time. It is becoming a structural and unity of the Group. Our unity, sentative of Benin spoke on behalf of crisis, because it affects all components solidarity and collective efforts should the LDC Group, and reaffirmed sup- of the development of capitalism itself. remain as the guiding principles in port of his group and said the meeting This means that it is a crisis of finance, promoting our common interests”. was an opportunity not only to revisit energy, climate, water, food, institu- H.E. Mrs. Rebeca Sanchez Bello, the past actions of the Group of 77 and tions and values, several crises which Deputy Permanent Representative of China but also to look forward to medi- are linked to each other. the Bolivarian Republic of Venezue- um and long term deadlines such as la, upcoming Chair of the Non- Ambassador Navarro Llanos also the conclusion of the Doha Round, the Aligned Movement in 2015 said that said, “We have reached a limit and we Sustainable Development and Post- over the past 50 years, the G77 has 2015 Agenda, preparations for must take urgent action to save society, humanity and Mother Earth. We need

Page 28 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 promoted resolutions at the United South cooperation. The G77 has an im- been raised”. Nations and embarked on shared ac- portant role to play in the years to “Developing countries should pool tions in favor of development under- come, notably through the promotion their efforts to strengthen coordination pinned by South-South cooperation, a and implementation of its noble ideas, to maintain unity as a Group. In the new world economic order, a responsi- which are multilateralism, and not bi- face of the new developments in bility for climate change and economic lateralism; peace and not conflict; law North-South relations, developing relations based on preferential treat- as the basis for international relations; countries should be on guard against ment. She emphasized the need to and trade and finance at the service of any attempt of sowing discord among build on these foundations and contin- humankind and not just a powerful us. We have to seek common ground ue to make progress towards a world minority, are the values on which we while reserving differences, come to order that is just, equitable, stable and must find a consensus if we are to reach each other's support readily, and de- peaceful. In other words: a New World a world that is stable, just and peace- fend our interests better, through a Order for living well. ful.” further strengthened G77 +China “Today, the G77 represents the H.E. Ambassador WU Hailong, Am- mechanism. We should work together greatest coalition of humanity and re- bassador Extraordinary and Plenipo- to be more vocal and effective in the mains a vital negotiating instrument in tentiary, Permanent Representative of global debate on development, en- economic multilateral diplomacy, as China said that 50 years ago, the Group hance South-South cooperation, in well as in ensuring peace and justice of 77 was born in Geneva at the first order to shape globalization in a more through international cooperation for United Nations Conference on Trade balanced, inclusive and mutually ben- development within the framework of and Development with the mandate of eficial manner”. the United Nations. This has been the establishing a more fair and equitable “As we are moving towards the thrust of the joint expression of South- international order and promoting the post-2015 development agenda, it is South solidarity since the Group’s crea- collective interests of the developing time to renew past glory of the Group tion, and its collective voice has spread world. Since then the Group has been and to revitalize international devel- to every institution and international striving to speak with one voice in the opment cooperation, building on past organization representing the hopes international arena and fighting strenu- achievements to make new progress. and aspirations of the majority of the ously for the legitimate rights of its As a member of the developing world, world’s population”. members. It has burgeoned into a ban- ner of unity and cooperation among China shares a common destiny as Sanchez Bello noted that despite five developing countries. well as the same aspiration and vision decades of achievements in the strug- with other developing countries. Chi- gle for equality and justice for the peo- “Over the past 50 years, the world na values the G77+China mechanism, ples around the world, there are still has undergone profound and complex and we will further strengthen cooper- serious shortfalls in the fulfilling of our changes. As economic globalization ation with other developing countries Group’s objectives. Indeed, there is gathers pace, deep changes are brewing so as to help them achieve faster de- much progress still to be made in many in the international system. Many de- velopment”. of our countries in meeting the needs of veloping countries have embarked on our people. the fast track of development, the inter- national balance of power is moving Adriano José Timossi is Pro- “These ongoing and emerging chal- towards greater equilibrium, and the gramme Officer of the Global Govern- lenges must be overcome within the representation and voice of developing ance for Development Programme framework of South-South and North- countries in global governance have (GGDP) of the South Centre. G77 50th anniversary celebrations in Bonn

t a special event on the final A day, 15 June 2014, of the UN Climate Change Conference in the Maritim Hotel, Bonn, Par- ties and the UNFCCC secretariat celebrated the 50th anniversary of the G77 and China. During a fes- tive “huddle” in one of the plena- ry rooms, Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UN- FCCC, cut an anniversary cake with Rene Orellana, the Chair of the G77 and China and Head of the Bolivian delegation at the UN- FCCC.

Page 29 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 G77 50th anniversary celebrations in Nairobi

Ambassador Ittiporn Boonpracong, Chair of G77 Nairobi chapter (left picture), and other speakers (right picture) at the G77’s celebration forum held in Nairobi.

By Manuel Montes played in the development agenda in- The second session was a technical cluding in Rio in 1992 and Rio+20 in panel. The first speaker was Dr. Alex he 50th anniversary of the found- 2012. O. Awiti, Director of the East African ing of the G77 was celebrated in T Institute of the Aga Khan Universi- Nairobi on 13 June 2014 in an Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary- ty. He challenged the audience on event organised by the G77 Nairobi General of the United Nations Confer- how serious the commitment is and chapter. H.E. Mr. Ittiporn Boon- ence on Trade and Development the courage that can be mustered in pracong, Ambassador and Permanent (UNCTAD), greeted the gathering averting climate change. He said that Representative of Thailand and Chair through a recorded video message. He one problem was the over-obsession of the Group of 77 and China, organ- congratulated the G77, emphasizing with growth. ised and hosted the program. how UNCTAD and G77 had grown together in analyzing and proposing Dr. Manuel Montes of the South There were two sessions. The first reforms to overcome the inequities and Centre spoke next, where he made the session comprised messages from UN imbalances in the global economic sys- point that without finance and tech- entities and the second was a panel on tem. nology developing countries will find current issues relevant to the G77. The it prohibitive to do their part in com- meeting was held in a big hall, and Mr. Achim Steiner, Executive- batting climate change. Combatting there were at the highest point at least Director of UNEP, thanked the G77 for climate change will require major re- 70 people in the audience. The major its support for UNEP, both in its found- forms in the global intellectual proper- delegations of the G77 and China in ing and continuing activities. He traced ty regime and the global financial sys- Nairobi participated in the event. There the changes in the environmental dis- tem. were also some non-G77 countries pre- course from Rio in 1992 when he said sent such as Italy. the question from the point of view of Mr. Li Bin, bureau chief of China G77 countries was “their pollu- Central Television (CCTV) Africa Ambassador Ittiporn’s welcoming tion” (meaning the pollution caused by spoke about the role of media in mobi- remarks highlighted the role of the G77 the developed countries) to the present lizing populations to act responsibly in the creation of the United Nations time when the problem is a case of “our in environmental matters, protecting Environment Programme (UNEP) and pollution.” Mr. Steiner also highlighted habitats and biodiversity. its location in Kenya, a developing the upcoming UN Environment Assem- Mr. Sherif Dawoud, Deputy Per- country, after the Earth Summit. bly. manent Representative to UNEP and In the first panel, the speech by Am- Dr. Joan Close, Executive Director of UN-Habitat of the Embassy of the Ar- bassador Amina Mohammed, Special the United Nations Human Settlements ab Republic of Egypt spoke about the Adviser to the UN Secretary-General Programme (UN-Habitat), highlighted critical role of the youth in develop- on Post-2015 Development Planning, the fact that the coming growth in the ment and in safeguarding the environ- was read by Dr. Karanja Kibicho, Prin- urban population will be mostly in the ment. cipal Secretary of the Ministry of For- developing countries and the G77 has a eign Affairs and Trade of Kenya. She critical role to play in this challenge. underscored the critical role that G77

Page 30 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 The final panelist was H.E. Dr. Mar- tin Kimani, Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations Office at Nairobi, UNEP, and UN-Habitat. A senior Kenyan diplomat, Dr. Kimani highlighted two issues – (1) the ques- tion of violence and conflict that causes development reversals and (2) the issue of foreign debt and the inequities and development reversals debt crises can inflict. The open forum elicited a few com- ments. The Venezuelan Permanent

IISD Representative asked about whether

the current model is behind the short- falls in development and in environ- The G77 held a Ministerial Commemorative Luncheon to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Group on the side- mental protection. The Colombian Per- lines of the first UNEA in Nairobi. manent Representative brought up the The Group of 77 and China also the UNCTAD Secretary-General and problem of growth and youth unem- held a Ministerial Commemorative UNEP Executive Director. ployment. Luncheon to celebrate the 50th anni-

A reception followed the celebra- versary of the group on Friday, 27 June tion. This was also well-attended by 2014 on the sidelines of the first United Manuel Montes is Senior Advisor of delegations in Nairobi. Nations Environment Assembly in Nai- Finance and Development at the South robi. The lunch was hosted by Ambas- Centre. sador Ittiporn and had speeches from G77 Ministerial meeting in Rome celebrates with theme on agriculture and food security he commemorations of the 50th China plays has received widespread T anniversary of the Group of 77 and recognition in the international arena. I China in Rome began with a Ministeri- also want to manifest my appreciation al Meeting on the theme of “The Group for your efforts” he said. Referring to of 77 & China in 2014: Realities and the G77 Summit held in June in Santa Prospects” held at the Food and Agri- Cruz, Bolivia, the FAO Director- culture Organization (FAO) headquar- General highlighted three key points of News FAO ters on 17 June 2014. In his welcoming the declaration which related to the

remarks, H.E. Dominique Awono Essa- work of the institution. Firstly, he high- ma, Ambassador of the Republic of lighted the importance of South-South Ambassador Dominique Awono Essama of Cameroon, Cameroon and Chairperson of the Cooperation in areas such as promot- Chair of the G77 and China Rome chapter Group of 77 and China - Rome Chapter ing food security and nutrition, and said that the choice of this theme had facing climate change. Secondly, he continue to be relevant as we celebrate been driven by the ambition to take a highlighted the Second International the International Year of Family Farm- look back at the successes achieved by Conference on Nutrition (ICN2), to be ing in 2014” he said. Dr. Graziano da the group, but also the difficulties en- jointly organized by FAO and the Silva ended by acknowledging that the countered since its creation on the one World Health Organization (WHO) Group of 77 and China has been a hand, and on the other hand, to look to next November, as a major forum to strong supporter of FAO and that both the future to deal with the new socio- define how to tackle malnutrition. share an understanding of the role that economic development challenges of Thirdly, he highlighted the fact that FAO plays in helping reach food secu- its members. the declaration acknowledges the re- rity and sustainable development Dr. José Graziano da Silva, FAO appointment of the President of the goals. Director-General, said that the diversi- Plurinational State of Bolivia, His Ex- H.E. Essimi Menye, Minister of Ag- ty of the group is what gives the cellency Evo Morales Ayma, and the riculture and Rural Development of the strength to stand united behind a com- First Lady of Peru, Her Excellency Na- Republic of Cameroon, said that the mon purpose and share the same com- dine Heredia De Humala, as FAO Spe- Group of 77 and China has succeeded mitment to build a common and con- cial Ambassadors for the International to constitute an unavoidable negotiat- structive agenda for sustainable devel- Year of Quinoa. “Their advocacy in ing force on international forums. The opment. “The role that the G77 and favor of quinoa and food security will group succeeded in many cases, partic-

Page 31 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 50-year milestone. “The ability of the G77 and China – which now consists of some 133 Member States – to act collec- tively is a powerful tool for eliminating the poverty that so often lies at the root of this devastating hunger” he said. In a speech with strong emphasis on the role of the 500 million smallholder fam- ily farms (mostly in the developing world), he stressed the need to have a broad response to the key issues facing smallholders and poor rural people, and to mobilize cofinancing for rural development programmes. The IFAD representative ended by stressing that

FAO News FAO the G77 and China has an essential role to play in creating the conditions for inclusive economic growth and food

and nutrition security for all. The panel during the 50th Anniversary of the G77 and China Ministerial meeting in Rome. The Director of the South-South and ularly, at FAO. He mentioned the Inter- sues. The group has improved their Resource Mobilization Division at national Treaty on Plant Genetic Re- bargaining, strengthening multilateral- FAO, Mr. Jong-Jin Kim, reiterated that sources for Food and Agriculture; the ism and ideas, concepts and initiatives FAO is “strongly committed to pro- reform of FAO and its governance bod- that they promote to implement the mote and facilitate South-South Coop- ies; reform of the Committee on World Charter of the United Nations and eration as a means to ensuring food Food Security; the Principles for Re- therefore, for the realization of funda- security for all”. FAO has a key role to sponsible Agricultural Investment mental human rights, based on the play as facilitator of South-South Coop- which is under negotiation; the succes- broader concept of "erga omnes", ie eration: acting as a neutral broker; con- sive consultations for the replenish- obligations "must be met with respect necting Southern partners; and ensur- ment of the International Fund for Ag- to the whole world and all its inhabit- ing the quality of the cooperation. He ricultural Development resources; ants". She also said that through this highlighted the aims of FAO strategy South-South cooperation among others. collective action, the group has gained on South-South Cooperation which strength to influence at international includes: 1. facilitating the exchange H.E. Abdullah Al-Islam Jakob, Dep- level, which would be impossible to and uptake of development solutions; uty Minister of Environment and For- achieve individually. 2. promoting platforms for knowledge est of the People’s Republic of Bangla- sharing; 3. mobilizing upstream policy desh, stated that the G77 and China Mr. Rasit Pertev on behalf of Ka- support; and 4. fostering an enabling Rome Chapter fulfilled its mandate by nayo F. Nwanze, President of the Inter- environment for South-South Coopera- playing an effective role in the three national Fund for Agricultural Devel- tion. Rome based UN agencies to promote opment (IFAD), congratulated the G77 food security, agriculture and rural and China for reaching this important By Adriano José Timossi development and thanked the group for its capacity for negotiating different issues particularly in the fields of agri- culture, food security and nutrition. H.E. Antolín Ayaviri Gómez, Am- bassador of the Plurinational State of Bolivia to FAO, IFAD and WFP, also spoke during the meeting, and provid- ed a briefing of the key outcomes of the declaration of the Santa Cruz Summit of the G77 and China on the issues re- lated to the mandate of the Rome Chapter. H.E. Gladys Urbaneja Durán, Am-

bassador of the Bolivarian Republic of News FAO Venezuela to FAO, IFAD and WFP, on behalf of the former Chairpersons of the G77 & China – Rome Chapter said that the G77 now has 133 members and has become a major player in diploma- Participants of the 50th Anniversary of the G77 and China Ministerial meeting in Rome. cy in economic, political and social is-

Page 32 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 Simonetta Sommaruga, and Member States of UNCTAD also addressed the UNCTAD celebrates 50th anniversary special session of the TDB. velopment and On 18 June, the Third Geneva Dia- social progress logue explored trade as a means of should be the implementation of the sustainable de- common con- velopment goals (SDGs). Various cern of the stakeholders actively participated in whole interna- the event including Member States, tional commu- international organizations, and repre-

UNCTAD n i t y , a n d sentatives of civil society. should, by in- Also on June 18, the G77 and China

creasing eco- held a high-level anniversary event, nomic prosperi- including the launch of the Gamani Three UNCTAD Secretary-Generals at the UNCTAD Public Symposium—Mukhisa Kituyi (centre, ty and well- current SG) and former SGs Rubens Ricupero (left) and Supachai Panitchpakdi (right). being, help Corea Forum, in honour of Gamani strengthen Corea, former UNCTAD Secretary- By Anna Bernardo peaceful relations and cooperation among General and also former Chair of the nations." Since then, the entire United Board of the South Centre, who died he United Nations Conference on last year. T Trade and Development Nations family has built on this vi- (UNCTAD) commemorated its 50th sion”. On 18-19 June, UNCTAD’s annual anniversary with a week of public cele- A new book, UNCTAD at 50: A Short Public Symposium discussed Macroe- bration events on 16-20 June 2014 at the History, authored by Oxford University conomic Dimensions of Inequality and Palais des Nations in Geneva. economic historian Prof. John Toye, From Best Policy Practices to Global Transformation. At the latter Fifty years ago, UNCTAD convened was presented at the opening session. The session was also honoured with roundtable, South Centre Executive its first historic meeting in 1964 in Ge- Director Martin Khor was a speaker. neva, “to address inequalities in a glob- the presence of three UNCTAD veter- ans representing three continents who Former UNCTAD Secretary-Generals al trading system that left newly inde- Supachai Panitchpakdi and Rubens pendent nations and those of the global were present during the early days of UNCTAD. Ricupero also spoke during these de- south at a disadvantage to the rich, bates. industrialized countries”. A round table discussion on the challenges ahead, named in honour of The last day of UNCTAD’s celebra- It was within this first UNCTAD tory week, on 20 June, featured a num- session that a group of developing UNCTAD’s founding Secretary- General, Raúl Prebisch, followed. ber of special events, including on cut- countries gathered and issued their ting the cost of remittances and a Declaration of 77 Countries on 15 June Speakers included development ex- perts Jose Antonio Ocampo, former UN round table discussion on prospects for 1964, and thus gave birth to the G77. small island developing states. UNCTAD and the G77 were thus Undersecretary-General for Economic linked at birth. and Social Affairs, Jayati Ghosh, Pro- In the words of UNCTAD Secre- fessor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, tary-General Kituyi, these events were The 50th year celebrations began on and Jan Pronk, former Deputy Secre- held “with the constructive aim of lev- 16 June. At the opening session, the tary-General of UNCTAD. They called eraging our successes and learning impact of UNCTAD, its present contri- for the need for a strong UNCTAD to from our missteps, so that we can to- bution to trade and development, and address development challenges. gether chart a course for a worthwhile the way forward were discussed. th and fruitful future.” UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa On 17 June, the 28 Special Session Kituyi in his statement said that that of the Trade and Development Board Anna Bernardo is Editorial Assis- the world we live in is more complex, (TDB) of UNCTAD was held. UN Sec- tant of the South Centre. with global problems needing global retary-General Ban Ki- solutions. Like predecessors in moon hailed UNCTAD’s UNCTAD I, he asked whether the contribution to the UN’s structures of global economic govern- development work as ance are really fit for purpose, and also “vital”. He also held that questioned how we can build a truly UNCTAD has a vital role multilateral system that effectively pro- to play in helping to de- vides global public goods. liver the post-2015 agen- da. In order to achieve Kituyi also relayed an essential mes- sustainable development, sage in his speech when he mentioned he called to strengthen

that “the establishment of UNCTAD multilateral cooperation UNCTAD signalled an important move beyond and global partnerships.

the principles that regulated the Bret- The Vice President of the ton Woods institutions and the GATT, Swiss Confederation, when it was agreed that: "Economic de- The 28th Special Session of the Trade and Development Board Page 33 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 Algiers NAM Ministerial Conference reviews existing, new and emerging challenges to the developing world A Ministerial Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement was successfully held in Algiers on 26-29 May 2014. Below is a report of the conference by Adriano José Timossi of the South Centre, who was a participant at the meeting.

Ministers and Senior Officials of the members of the Non-Aligned Movement at the NAM Ministerial Conference in Algiers in May 2014.

he XVII Ministerial Conference of African Union’s common position at the NAM, said that the success of the T the Non-Aligned Movement core of the discussions. NAM “hinges on unity, solidarity and (NAM) was held in the Palace of Na- cohesion of member states of the Non- The Ministerial Conference was tions, Algiers (Algeria) from 26 to 29 Aligned Movement and a sober reali- opened by Algerian Prime Minister May 2014, under the theme of: zation of the challenges and the op- Abdelmalek Sellal in a statement deliv- "Enhanced Solidarity for Peace and portunities that bind them together”. ered on behalf of the President of the Prosperity". A ministerial segment was He said that the international commu- Republic, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, which held from 28 to 29 May with the partic- nity has been undergoing profound urged the non-aligned countries to join ipation of representatives from more and rapid changes in the past two dec- efforts for the strengthening of the role than 100 countries, including over 80 ades; and unprecedented opportuni- of the United Nations General Assem- ministers. The NAM represents 120 ties and challenges have presented bly and the reform of the Security countries, about two thirds of the UN themselves. “While members of the Council. President Evo Morales of Bo- membership. Movement like the rest of the world livia, current chair of the G77, attended have different views and perspectives The mid-term NAM ministerial the opening session and urged the and at times divergent interests on meeting served to review the progress countries present to attend the G77 some issues, what brings us together is and implementation of the Tehran Plan Summit, scheduled for June 14 and 15 far greater than those differences”. of Action adopted at the XVI NAM 2014 in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, which Summit of Heads of State and Govern- will celebrate the Group’s 50th anniver- Minister Lamamra organized a spe- ments held in 2012 in Tehran, the Is- sary. Ramtane Lamamra, the Minister cial breakfast session where the Afri- lamic Republic of Iran, and to prepare of Foreign Affairs of Algeria, chair of can Union Commission Chairperson, for the upcoming NAM Summit to be the 17th NAM Ministerial Conference, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and Carlos held in the Bolivarian Republic of Ven- said that "in the globalization era and a Lopes, Executive Secretary of the UN ezuela in September 2015. The ministe- world that is more and more complex, Economic Commission for Africa rial conference in Algiers also ad- NAM’s call for a new international or- (UNECA), led a discussion on the dressed existing, new and emerging der remains a requirement”. Post-2015 development agenda. issues of concern and interest to the Mohammad Javad Zarif, the Minis- The day after the NAM Ministerial group. The Post-2015 Development ter of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Re- Meeting, the first meeting of the Agenda was also discussed, with the public of Iran, the current chair of NAM-G77 Joint Coordination Com-

Page 34 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, among others. The chairs of the G77 chapters were also present in the meeting. Dr. Manuel Montes, Senior Advisor on Finance and Development at the South Centre, introduced the two back- ground papers prepared by the South Centre to the Panel of Eminent Person- alities on the issues of Climate Change and Sustainable Development and the

Algeria Press Service Press Algeria Post-2015 Development Agenda. In a speech, former President Mbeki recalled that the G77+China was established to ‘provide the means for the countries of the South to articu-

late and promote their collective eco- The NAM Ministerial Conference in Algiers in progress. nomic interests and enhance their joint negotiating capacity on all major inter- mittee at the Ministerial Level was held and indeed, “more valid, than at that national economic issues within the at the Palace of Nations in Algiers on time”, in a world of continued deterio- United Nations system, and promote the occasion of the 50th anniversary of ration of the political, social, economic, South-South cooperation for develop- the creation of G77. Minister Lamamra financial, environmental situation ment.’ said on opening the meeting that the which is increasingly affecting the Talking on the global financial and forthcoming end of the Millennium countries of the South. The statement economic crises, President Mbeki re- Development Goals (MDGs) era and called on the 133 heads of state and ferred to the South Centre papers “The the ongoing drafting of the Post-2015 government of the G77 to attend the Staggering Rise of the South?” and Development Agenda is a double rea- upcoming G77 Summit, to be held in “Waving or Drowning: Developing son for the Non-Aligned Movement Santa Cruz, Bolivia, on 14-15 June. It Countries after the Financial Crisis” (NAM) and the Group of 77 to coordi- also endorsed Algeria's initiative to which have argued that in the after- nate efforts. convene a ministerial meeting of the math of the 2008 financial and econom- NAM-G77 Joint Coordination Commit- Minister Lamamra stressed the im- ic crisis the favourable conditions tee in New York in September 2015, on portance of joint efforts between the which facilitated the rapid growth of the occasion of the 60th anniversary of NAM and the G77 “to make these two the South will no longer exist. the Bandung Declaration and the 70th organizations influence the decision anniversary of the creation of the Unit- Extract of former South Afri- making and able to reshape the future ed Nations and to shape an enhanced economy for the welfare and develop- can President H. E. Mr. Thabo coordination on economic and environ- ment of our peoples." He also said that Mbeki’s speech at the XVII mental issues, including climate “the African common position will be NAM Ministerial Conference change, on the agenda of the UN sys- at the heart of the positions of NAM tem. More recently, the South Centre has and G-77 in next September’s meet- argued that in the aftermath of the ing”. In his capacity as chair of the G77, The week of meetings in Algiers 2008 financial and economic crisis the Sacha Llorenti, Ambassador, Perma- ended with the High Level Panel of favourable conditions which facilitated nent Representative of the Plurination- Eminent Personalities of the South with the rapid growth of the South will no al State of Bolivia to the United Nations the view of updating the Platform for longer exist. in New York, was critical of the devel- the Development of the South, as well oped countries’ role in the achievement as to reiterate the commitments of the Accordingly, to adjust to this, in a of the millennium development goals. group to the promotion of South-South 2012 article entitled “The Staggering "The developed countries often tried to Cooperation. The meeting was a follow Rise of the South?”, Yılmaz Akyüz of hinder the achievement of the millenni- -up to the Panel meeting held in Fiji, in the South Centre has suggested that: um goals for development, as they did May 2013. Eminent personalities taking “Emerging economies such as not respect all of their commitments in part in the event included former South BRICS and others need to reconsider terms of development aid." Ambassa- African President Thabo Mbeki; their development strategies in order dor Llorenti stated that "colonization Lakhdar Brahimi, a well known Algeri- to gain considerable autonomy in still exists, but under other forms and an diplomat, former Minister of For- growth and become major players in through international economic and eign Affairs, and who had attended the global economy…First, starting financial bodies, including the Interna- the Belgrade Summit in 1961 which with China, the East Asian surplus tional Monetary Fund." created the NAM; the AU Commission economies need to reduce their de- Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini- A joint communiqué was adopted, pendence on markets in Advanced Zuma; South African Minister of Inter- acknowledging the importance of the Economies by promoting national and national Relations and Cooperation vision, principles and objectives of the regional markets. They need to expand Maite Emily Nkoana-Mashabane and rationale for the creation of the G77 domestic consumption rapidly and this Minister of Foreign Affairs of Namibia and NAM that are indispensable today, calls for a significant increase in the

Page 35 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 share of household income in GDP” to the most serious post-war crisis re- oriented and introducing mechanisms main unresolved. This scenario poses and regulations that are required to and, serious risks to peace and security sustain development efforts. “Deficit Developing and Emerging globally. The Non-Aligned Movement Eliminating monopoly and hege- Economies need to reduce their de- has a vital role to play in ensuring that monic control over global resources pendence on foreign capital. Most of the actions and commitments under- and markets will require domestic ini- them also need to increase investment taken to respond to the crisis, which tiatives and coordinated actions among significantly. The majority of these must include a fundamental transfor- disadvantaged nations at the interna- countries are commodity exporters and mation of the international economic tional level. Through legal manoeu- the two key determinants of their eco- system, are realized in a timely man- vring and the exercise of domineering nomic performance, capital flows and ner. Particular attention must be paid economic power, the developed world commodity prices, are largely beyond to disciplining policy measures by the blocks the ability of nations to apply their control. Reducing vulnerability on developed world, which are greatly their own resources toward their own both fronts crucially depends on their harming the South. The unity of the development and obstructs poor na- progress in industrialisation.” Movement and a constant generation tions’ access to knowledge and tech- of mutual political support with its More generally, the South Centre nologies needed to upgrade the capa- sister organization, the Group of 77, are has proposed that: bilities of their peoples. Developing crucial. Developing countries, both countries must turn back this unfa- “Dependence on foreign markets through the NAM and the G77 as well vourable tide through a fundamental and capital should be reduced. There is as through their respective regional reshaping of free trade agreements and also a need to redefine the role of the institutions and groupings, are now multilateral obligations. state and markets, not only in finance deeply engaged on a daily basis in criti- but also in all key areas affecting indus- cal international governance and nego- The South Centre was born as a trialization and development, keeping tiation processes in a variety of issues, result of a conscious understanding by in mind that there is no industrialisa- including the economic and financial our Member States that developing tion without active policy.” crisis, the multilateral trading system, countries need to have their own inde- sustainable development and post-2015 pendent multilateral intergovernmen- (Waving or Drowning: Developing agendas, global health, and climate tal think tank. Countries after the Financial Crisis: change, all of which will involve crucial The South Centre is, like the NAM Yılmaz Akyüz, Paper 48, June 2013). decisions either by the end of this year and its sister, the Group of 77, a genu- The preceding remarks and recom- and during the coming year. ine multilateral institution of the mendations, which relate to strength- With the global economy mired in South, for the South, and by the South. ening South-South Cooperation, about the deepest economic crisis since the It is therefore my honor to invite those diverse matters such as trade, foreign 1930s and in light of the harmful, self- Member States of the NAM that are not capital, industrialisation, mobilisation interested, policies of the North, coop- yet Member States of the South Centre of domestic investment resources, do- eration among developing countries at to consider joining the Centre by ac- mestic and regional markets, and in- all levels and in all spaces of interna- ceding to our Intergovernmental come distribution make a critically im- tional and domestic relations is critical Agreement. portant statement. for meeting the challenges of the times. The South Centre will continue That statement is that if we are in- For far too long, many have had working tirelessly to assist developing deed serious about South-South Coop- their fortunes determined by the few countries on major policy issues and eration, as we are, we must be ready to who benefited from the days of em- generate ideas and action-oriented pro- fashion our domestic policies in a man- pires and colonization. The situation of posals for consideration by their gov- ner that promotes this Cooperation. ongoing crises is an opportunity to in- ernments and formal and informal Naturally this poses the question tensify efforts to restructure the rules groups such as the Group of 77 and the whether we have the effective institu- and arrangements of the global eco- Non-Aligned Movement. tions accepted by all of us, members of nomic system towards the interests of These transformations will no doubt the G77+China, which have the author- developing countries. These are crises be resisted by those who currently ben- ity and capacity to help drive these and that, in large part, are due to the poli- efit from the present policies and archi- other policy initiatives! cies and actions of those that would tecture. Hence, the most important seek to continue to dominate the world. prerequisite for us as developing coun- South Centre Statement deliv- In the midst of the multiple crises that tries to be able to effect real changes in ered by Dr. Manuel Montes, buffet our global community lie the the rules and relations that govern us Special Advisor on Finance seeds for the rearrangement of interna- is for us to work collectively – to en- and Development, on behalf of tional affairs into more equitable forms. the Executive Director, Mr. large South-South cooperation at all Thoroughgoing changes in global levels, on all issues, and in all forums. Martin Khor, at the XVII NAM economic policy and architecture will In this regard, the NAM will find the Ministerial Conference be necessary to reflect the interests of South Centre to be a reliable partner. The world economy is facing bleak pro- developing countries, removing unfair spects largely because the systemic and unbalanced processes in existing shortcomings in the global economic institutions, strengthening others to and financial architecture that gave rise make them more development- Page 36 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 Pictures of the G77 Summit and celebration events

Plenary of the G77 Summit in session in Santa Cruz on 15 June 2014. (left and above photo)

www.g77bolivia.com

www.g77bolivia.com President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela President Raul Castro of Cuba

President José Mujica of Uruguay gave a rousing speech.

MercoPress.

President Cristina Fernandez Kirchner of Argentina speaking at the plenary.

www.g77bolivia.com

President Salvador Sánchez Cerén of El Salvador

www.g77bolivia.com

AP

Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs Celso Amorim Close-up view of the G77 leaders at the Summit.

Page 37 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014 Scenes of the G77 Summit in Santa Cruz, 14-15 June

REUTERS/Enrique Castro REUTERS/Enrique

AIZAR RALDES/AFP/Getty Images Images RALDES/AFP/Getty AIZAR

-

Mendivil Mendivil

Argentinian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hector Timmerman (left) and Venezuelan Presi- Ecuador's President Rafael Correa delivers a speech at the public rally. dent Nicolas Maduro at a public rally at a stadium in Santa Cruz on 14 June 2014.

Fiji Ministry of Information of Ministry Fiji

Daily News Sri Lanka Sri News Daily

Costa Rican Vice-President Ana Helena Chacon Echeverr (left) met Sri Lankan External UN Secretary-General Ban Ki–moon (left) and Fijian President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris on the sidelines of the G77 Summit. at the G77 Summit.

Evan Schneider/UN Photo Photo Schneider/UN Evan

President Evo Morales of Bolivia (left) and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visits Dance performance during the G77 Summit. Bolivian town of El Torno. SOUTH BULLETIN EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Chief Editor: Martin Khor

Managing Editor: Vice Yu

Assistants: Xuan Zhang, Anna Bernardo

The South Bulletin is published by the South Centre, an intergovernmental think-tank of developing countries.

South Centre website: (in English, French and Spanish) www.SouthCentre.int South Centre Tel: +41 22 791 8050 Email: [email protected] Main table of Presidents and the UN Secretary-General at the G77 Summit dinner.

Page 38 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 81, 25 July 2014