Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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January 14, 2026 UN
Amid growing conflicts, the climate crisis, and technological divides, cooperation remains the only path to a just and sustainable future. This was stated by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking at the handover ceremony of the presidency of the Group of 77 plus China, an intergovernmental organization of developing countries.
The UN chief thanked Iraq for chairing the Group in 2025 and congratulated Uruguay on assuming the presidency in 2026, noting that its agenda is "based on social justice."
According to the Secretary General,this organizationwas founded on the principles of “development with dignity, a fair distribution of opportunities, and a seat at the decision-making tables” – and these principles remain as relevant today.
Finance, climate and technology
The Secretary General recalled that there are only four years left until 2030, while the funding gap Sustainable Development Goals remains huge, and debt servicing is stifling investment in key areas.
He called for a reform of the global financial architecture, emphasizing that it must reflect today's realities, not the "world of 1945." Specifically, he emphasized the need to triple the lending capacity of multilateral development banks, expand access to long-term financing, and ensure developing countries have greater influence in international institutions.
Speaking about climate, the Secretary-General noted that the world is moving towards a temporary excess of 1.5 degrees Celsius and the task is to make this excess "as small as possible, as brief as possible, and as safe as possible."
"The principle of common but differentiated responsibility must apply – but each country must do more," he said.
“Climate justice requires protecting those who have contributed least to this crisis – and who face its harshest consequences,” the UN chief added, calling for massive adaptation funding, contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund, and the mobilization of $1.3 trillion a year for developing countries by 2035.
The Digital Age and the Role of the UN
Antonio Guterres stressed that the digital age must become "an engine of inclusion, not an accelerator of inequality."
In July, the Global Dialogue on artificial intelligence management, which will be preceded by the first report of the Independent Scientific Panel on AI with recommendations for states. The UN Secretary-General also called for the creation of a Global AI Capacity Building Fund and welcomed the participation of the Panel's countries in the global collaboration network in this area.
The Secretary-General also recalled the importance of the UN-80 initiative, which aims to strengthen the UN system and increase its effectiveness in the face of declining resources.
In conclusion, the Secretary-General noted that the international community faces a clear choice: “fragmentation or solutions; division or results; narrow selfishness or a shared determination to build a more just future.”
"The Group of 77 and China have long been the guardians of this resolve," he said, pledging to continue to support developing countries in pursuing justice, equality and the fulfillment of their promises.
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