<h4>Establishment of the G77</h4><p>The <strong>Group of 77 (G77)</strong> was formally established on <strong>June 15, 1964</strong>. Its formation followed the issuance of the <strong>“Joint Declaration of the Seventy-Seven Developing Countries”</strong>.</p><p>This declaration was made at the conclusion of the first session of the <strong>United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)</strong>, held in <strong>Geneva</strong>.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Initial Signatories:</strong> The group was initially formed by <strong>77 developing countries</strong>.</p><p><strong>Current Membership:</strong> As of now, the G77 comprises <strong>134 member states</strong>.</p></div><h4>China's Unique Relationship with G77</h4><p>While often mentioned in connection with the G77, <strong>China</strong> is not officially a member. The Chinese government considers itself a <strong>partner</strong> rather than a member.</p><p>Despite not being a member, China provides significant <strong>political and financial support</strong> to the group. The G77 itself often refers to China in its discussions and documents.</p><h4>Aims and Objectives of the G77</h4><p>The G77 stands as the <strong>largest intergovernmental organization of developing countries</strong> within the <strong>United Nations system</strong>.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>Its primary aim is to provide a platform for countries of the <strong>Global South</strong> to articulate and promote their <strong>collective economic interests</strong>.</p><p>Furthermore, the group seeks to enhance their <strong>joint negotiating capacity</strong> on all major international economic issues debated within the UN framework.</p></div><h4>Organizational Structure and Chairmanship</h4><p>The G77's actions in each 'Chapter' are coordinated by a <strong>Chairman</strong>, who also serves as its primary spokesperson. The Chairmanship represents the highest political body within the group's organizational structure.</p><p>The role of Chairman rotates annually on a <strong>regional basis</strong>. The regions include <strong>Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean</strong>.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Current Chairman (2024):</strong> The <strong>Republic of Uganda</strong> holds the Chairmanship for the year <strong>2024</strong>, representing the <strong>African Chapter</strong>.</p></div><h4>G77 Chapters and Their Functions</h4><p><strong>Chapters</strong> 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.</p><ul><li><strong>Geneva:</strong> Coordinates activities related to the <strong>United Nations (UN)</strong>.</li><li><strong>Rome:</strong> Focuses on issues within the <strong>Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)</strong>.</li><li><strong>Vienna:</strong> Engages with the <strong>United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)</strong>.</li><li><strong>Paris:</strong> Represents G77 interests at <strong>UNESCO</strong>.</li><li><strong>Nairobi:</strong> Works with the <strong>United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)</strong>.</li><li><strong>Washington, D.C.:</strong> Hosts the <strong>Group of 24 (G24)</strong>, which coordinates G77 positions at the <strong>International Monetary Fund (IMF)</strong> and the <strong>World Bank</strong>.</li></ul><h4>The South Summit</h4><p>The <strong>South Summit</strong> is recognized as the <strong>supreme decision-making body</strong> of the Group of 77. It convenes periodically to set the strategic direction and policy agenda for the group.</p><ol><li>The <strong>First South Summit</strong> was held in <strong>Havana, Cuba</strong>, in the year <strong>2000</strong>.</li><li>The <strong>Second South Summit</strong> took place in <strong>Doha, Qatar</strong>, in <strong>2005</strong>.</li></ol>