G-77+China Summit in Cuba pleads for global multilateralism

HAVANA, Cuba – A meeting of Group 77 countries and China, in the Cuban capital of Havana has called for international cooperation and multilateralism.

The group, which now includes more than 130 countries, also called for an end to unilateralism and monopolies, whether military or digital.

Recognizing the voice of the Global South, the summit declared Sept. 16 as Science, Technology, and Innovation Day for the Global South.

The summit concluded with a declaration underscoring the urgent need for a more inclusive and coordinated approach to global financial governance and reforms in the international financial system.

During the summit, Cuba’s Prime Minister Manuel Marrero acknowledged Cuba’s symbolic role as a beacon for the Global South and thanked participants for their opposition to the ongoing U.S. embargo against Cuba.

China, which will host the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, intends to work closely with members of the G-77.

Miguel Diaz-Canel, Cuban president, highlighted the important role of the G-77 and China in representing the interests of most countries in the world and stressed the need to dismantle the unilateral international order.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pointed out the essential role of the G-77 and China in the evolving multipolar world and stressed the need for a system that considers the needs of all and not just the privileged.

In addition, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticized the U.S. embargo against Cuba, calling it illegal.

The far-reaching impact of the summit was seen by experts as a step toward reshaping the global order, with China pushing the vision of a multipolar world.

The next summit of the G-77 and China is scheduled for January in Kampala, Uganda.