Foreign Secretary Lamsal Advocates Stronger Global Cooperation

In a significant diplomatic address at the Third South Summit of the Group of 77 and China, held in Kampala, the capital city of the Republic of Uganda, Foreign Secretary Ms. Sewa Lamsal led the Nepali delegation in emphasizing the crucial role of the Global South in addressing global challenges. The Summit, taking place on January 21 and 22, 2024, convened representatives from more than 134 countries under the theme ‘Leaving No One Behind.’

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the Summit served as a platform to enhance South-South cooperation across various domains, including sustainable development, climate change, trade, and investment.

During the opening segment, the President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Mr. Dennis Francis, and UN Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres delivered their statements, setting the tone for the discussions.

Foreign Secretary Lamsal reiterated Nepal’s unwavering support for the Group of 77 and China in implementing key global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Paris Agreement, and the Doha Program of Action. She expressed Nepal’s commitment to fostering solidarity, harmony, and cooperation among Global South countries.

In her address, Ms. Lamsal underscored the importance of deeper cooperation in tackling pressing global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, inequality, debt distress, conflicts, climate change, and geopolitical rivalry. On a positive note, she highlighted the emergence of the Global South as an economic powerhouse contributing to more than half of the world’s growth.

With 134 member countries representing over two-thirds of UN members and 80% of the global population, Ms. Lamsal emphasized the strength of G77 and China as a formidable force.

“We, together, can deliver better and greater,” she stated, urging the Group to play an instrumental role in global development and financial architecture decision-making and norm-setting. Ms. Lamsal called for collaborative efforts to make multilateralism more inclusive, innovative, and responsive to the needs of developing countries.

The Foreign Secretary urged developed countries to fulfill promises and commitments, particularly in terms of Official Development Assistance (ODA), climate financing, and technology transfer. She stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between North-South, South-South, and Triangular Cooperation, with a specific focus on the needs of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in trade, infrastructure, and productive capacity.

The Summit will conclude today with the adoption of the ‘Outcome Document.’ In the afternoon, Foreign Secretary Ms. Lamsal attended a Luncheon hosted by the President of the Republic of Uganda, honoring the heads of delegations to the Third Summit of G77 and China.