On January 15, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on behalf of Guyana formally accepted to serve as Chair of the Group of 77 and China for the year 2020.
At the handing over ceremony which took place at the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Prime Minister accepted the task with “a great sense of gratitude and responsibility.” He paid tribute to the outgoing chair, the State of Palestine and commended its dedication and commitment to service.
According to the text of his remarks, Nagamootoo spoke of the many challenges facing developing countries but acknowledged that 2020 was “choc-full” of significant undertakings and challenges that will sternly test the mettle of the Group. In view of the challenges to come he cautioned that nothing short of “a strong, credible and focused G-77 will enable us to be equal to the demands of our time,” and assured that as Chair, “we can preserve and enhance the image and character of our Group as the largest negotiating bloc within the United Nations.”