GROUP OF 77
NAIROBI

Statement by H.E. Mr. Dina Mufti Sid, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Republic of Kenya, and the Permanent Representative to UNEP, UN-HABITAT, and UNON on the occasion of assuming of chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China at Nairobi for the year 2018 (UNON, Nairobi, 30 January 2018)

Excellency, High Commissioner and Permanent Representative of Pakistan, Ambassador Raza Bashir Tarar,
Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives,
Dear colleagues of the members of the Group of 77 and China,

It is my greatest honor and pleasure to be here today with all of you, my distinguished and dear colleagues of Group of 77 and China in the Nairobi Chapter, the group that is known to have always been shaping global discourse by the voices of the developing world in the midst of today's complex global diplomacy.

Please allow me, first and foremost, to begin by asking you all to join me in congratulating H.E. High Commissioner and Permanent Representative of Pakistan, Ambassador Raza, for his able leadership, dedication and outstanding performance as Chair of G77 and China during his tenure. In this regard, I would like to invite Pakistan to continue supporting the causes of G77 and China.

Excellencies, and Dear Colleagues,

Today as Ethiopia is being handed over the chairmanship of Group of 77 and China from Pakistan, the developing world has been challenged in numerous ways. Yet the rationale that made possible the creation of the G77 as a most vibrant group in the United Nations systems is as valid as ever.

In taking on this vital role, we commit our country to honoring the objectives set by our founding fathers but with a viable twig so that our endeavor reflects the Nairobi Chapter. With this in mind, I am deeply honored to be entrusted with the opportunity and responsibility to take up this important and challenging role, and to work with all of you in our continuing efforts to achieve our common aspiration and goals, especially during the year 2018, the year that we all try to implement the decisions of UNEA-3 and the year we prepare ourselves to the next Assembly.

Ethiopia strongly believes that the three pillars of sustainable development, namely inclusive economic growth, social development, and environmental protection, will need to be further promoted, strengthened and synchronized so that they better inform policy decisions. Ethiopia, as a current chair of the Climate Vulnerability Forum, will try to enable UNEP to play a partnership role in a platform where vulnerable countries address the foremost issues related to global climate change. Ethiopia also would like to see the United Nations Offices in Nairobi, the only Head Quarter located in developing country, to be consolidated. In this regard, Ethiopia will work closely with the Executive Directors and the Director General of the UNoN.

Ethiopia, in its capacity as a chairman of the Group of 77 and China for the year 2018, wishes to focus on the implementation of the decisions taken at the Governing Council of the UN-Habitat and at the Environmental Assembly. Ethiopia would like to call for all members of the Group to support the priorities outlined as we assume the chairmanship.

Excellencies, and Dear Colleagues,

As the Chair of the Group, be my priorities as they may, I would like to reaffirm my commitment, determination and dedication to facilitate the views and interests of all member countries to achieve the common benefit of the G77 and China. Now let me conclude by saying that the progress of the G77 and China does not rest upon who takes the role of the chairmanship, but on active participation and contribution of all members. As the saying goes, "we cannot clap with one hand"! We shall work together for the better tomorrow.