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What is Group of 77 (G77) - UPSC International Relations
What is What is Group of 77 (G77) in UPSC International Relations?
What is Group of 77 (G77) is a key topic under International Relations for UPSC Civil Services Examination. Key points include: G77 established in 1964 at UNCTAD, Geneva, by 77 developing countries.. Largest intergovernmental organization of developing countries, now with 134 members.. Aims to promote collective economic interests and enhance negotiating capacity in the UN.. Understanding this topic is essential for both UPSC Prelims and Mains preparation.
Why is What is Group of 77 (G77) important for UPSC exam?
What is Group of 77 (G77) is a Medium-level topic in UPSC International Relations. It is tested in both Prelims (factual MCQs) and Mains (analytical answer writing). Previous year UPSC questions have frequently covered aspects of What is Group of 77 (G77), making it essential for comprehensive IAS preparation.
How to prepare What is Group of 77 (G77) for UPSC?
To prepare What is Group of 77 (G77) for UPSC: (1) Study the comprehensive notes covering all key concepts on Vaidra. (2) Practice previous year questions on this topic. (3) Connect it with current affairs using daily updates. (4) Revise using key takeaways and mind maps available for International Relations. (5) Write practice answers linking What is Group of 77 (G77) to related GS Paper topics.
Key takeaways of What is Group of 77 (G77) for UPSC
- G77 established in 1964 at UNCTAD, Geneva, by 77 developing countries.
- Largest intergovernmental organization of developing countries, now with 134 members.
- Aims to promote collective economic interests and enhance negotiating capacity in the UN.
- China is a partner, not a member, providing political and financial support.
- Coordinated by a Chairman (Uganda in 2024), rotating regionally.
- Has chapters in key UN cities (Geneva, Rome, Vienna, Paris, Nairobi, Washington D.C. for G24).
- South Summit is its supreme decision-making body (First in Havana 2000, Second in Doha 2005).
What is Group of 77 (G77)
Medium⏱️ 8 min read
international relations
📖 Introduction
Establishment of the G77
The Group of 77 (G77) was formally established on June 15, 1964. Its formation followed the issuance of the “Joint Declaration of the Seventy-Seven Developing Countries”.
This declaration was made at the conclusion of the first session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), held in Geneva.
Initial Signatories: The group was initially formed by 77 developing countries.
Current Membership: As of now, the G77 comprises 134 member states.
China's Unique Relationship with G77
While often mentioned in connection with the G77, China is not officially a member. The Chinese government considers itself a partner rather than a member.
Despite not being a member, China provides significant political and financial support to the group. The G77 itself often refers to China in its discussions and documents.
Aims and Objectives of the G77
The G77 stands as the largest intergovernmental organization of developing countries within the United Nations system.
Its primary aim is to provide a platform for countries of the Global South to articulate and promote their collective economic interests.
Furthermore, the group seeks to enhance their joint negotiating capacity on all major international economic issues debated within the UN framework.
Organizational Structure and Chairmanship
The G77's actions in each 'Chapter' are coordinated by a Chairman, who also serves as its primary spokesperson. The Chairmanship represents the highest political body within the group's organizational structure.
The role of Chairman rotates annually on a regional basis. The regions include Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
Current Chairman (2024): The Republic of Uganda holds the Chairmanship for the year 2024, representing the African Chapter.
G77 Chapters and Their Functions
Chapters refer to the regional divisions or offices of the G77 in various locations. These chapters are crucial for coordinating activities and representing the group's interests in specific UN agencies and international forums.
- Geneva: Coordinates activities related to the United Nations (UN).
- Rome: Focuses on issues within the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
- Vienna: Engages with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
- Paris: Represents G77 interests at UNESCO.
- Nairobi: Works with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
- Washington, D.C.: Hosts the Group of 24 (G24), which coordinates G77 positions at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
The South Summit
The South Summit is recognized as the supreme decision-making body of the Group of 77. It convenes periodically to set the strategic direction and policy agenda for the group.
- The First South Summit was held in Havana, Cuba, in the year 2000.
- The Second South Summit took place in Doha, Qatar, in 2005.
💡 Key Takeaways
- •G77 established in 1964 at UNCTAD, Geneva, by 77 developing countries.
- •Largest intergovernmental organization of developing countries, now with 134 members.
- •Aims to promote collective economic interests and enhance negotiating capacity in the UN.
- •China is a partner, not a member, providing political and financial support.
- •Coordinated by a Chairman (Uganda in 2024), rotating regionally.
- •Has chapters in key UN cities (Geneva, Rome, Vienna, Paris, Nairobi, Washington D.C. for G24).
- •South Summit is its supreme decision-making body (First in Havana 2000, Second in Doha 2005).
🧠 Memory Techniques
95% Verified Content
📚 Reference Sources
•United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) official website
•Group of 77 (G77) official website