Definition
The Group of 77 (G77) is a coalition of developing countries established within the United Nations (UN) system to promote its members’ collective economic interests and enhance their joint negotiating capacity on major international economic issues.
Overview
Formed on 15 June 1964 by a declaration signed by 77 developing nations, the G77 now comprises 134 member states, making it the largest intergovernmental organization of developing countries. While the original name reflected the founding membership, the group retained the abbreviation “G77” after subsequent expansions. The coalition operates primarily within the UN framework, notably the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the United Nations General Assembly, and it frequently coordinates positions on matters such as trade, development finance, technology transfer, climate change, and sustainable development. The G77 works closely with the China-led “Group of 24” (G24), which focuses on monetary and development financing issues.
Etymology/Origin
The term “Group of 77” originates from the number of founding member states that signed the original declaration in 1964. The designation was deliberately retained after additional countries joined, becoming a recognized brand rather than a literal count.
Characteristics
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Membership | 134 UN member states, primarily from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Membership is open to any developing country willing to adhere to the group’s principles. |
| Structure | No permanent secretariat; coordination is carried out by a rotating chairmanship and a small executive committee that organizes meetings and drafts consensus statements. |
| Decision‑making | Operates on a consensus basis; positions are formulated through informal consultations and formal meetings among member delegations. |
| Core Objectives | • Promote collective bargaining power in international fora. • Advocate for equitable economic development and technology transfer. • Seek reforms of the international financial system to favor developing economies. |
| Key Areas of Activity | • Trade negotiations (e.g., World Trade Organization). • Climate change negotiations (e.g., UNFCCC). • Development financing and debt relief. |
| Relationship with Other Bodies | Works alongside the Non‑Aligned Movement (NAM) and collaborates with the G24 on monetary issues; maintains observer status in various UN agencies. |
Related Topics
- Group of 24 (G24) – A subset of the G77 focused on monetary and development finance.
- Non‑Aligned Movement (NAM) – An international organization of states not formally aligned with any major power bloc, often overlapping in membership and objectives with the G77.
- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) – A UN body where the G77 frequently coordinates its positions on trade and development.
- UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – Platform where the G77 advocates for the interests of developing nations in climate policy.
- Developing Countries – Nations classified by the UN as having lower levels of industrialization, income, and human development, constituting the primary constituency of the G77.