Uruguay is taking on a significant role in 2026 when it assumes the presidency of the Group of 77 and China, a coalition that represents 134 developing nations at the United Nations. This appointment breaks from tradition, as larger economies like Egypt, Pakistan, or Cuba typically lead the group.
The choice reflects Uruguay’s established track record in international relations. The country has consistently maintained neutral positions in global conflicts and has successfully mediated regional disputes. Its stable democratic institutions, which have functioned without interruption since 1985, give it credibility among diverse member states.
Leading the G77+China means coordinating positions on trade policies, climate financing, and technology transfer among countries with vastly different economies and political systems. The group represents roughly 80% of the world’s population and two-thirds of UN membership, making consensus-building challenging.
Uruguay’s diplomatic corps has experience managing these complexities through its previous roles in regional organizations like UNASUR and the Rio Group.
The presidency comes at a critical time for developing nations facing debt burdens that reached $11 trillion in 2022 according to UN data. Climate adaptation costs alone are projected to require $140-300 billion annually by 2030 for developing countries.
Uruguay’s own experience transitioning to 95% renewable electricity while maintaining economic growth provides practical examples for policy discussions.
President Luis Lacalle Pou’s administration has already outlined priorities focusing on sustainable development financing and South-South cooperation. The country’s size—with just 3.4 million people—may actually work in its favor, as member states view it as less threatening than regional powers with their own geopolitical agendas.
Key Takeaways
Uruguay takes on the G77 presidency in 2026, a strategic move that aligns perfectly with the country’s simultaneous leadership of CELAC and Mercosur. This triple leadership position gives Uruguay unprecedented influence to coordinate regional policies across Latin America and the developing world.
The Group of 77 speaks for 134 developing nations representing roughly 80% of the world’s population. These countries face mounting challenges from unsustainable debt burdens and inadequate funding to address climate change impacts. The group consistently pushes for debt relief mechanisms and increased climate finance from wealthier nations.
China’s role within this coalition deserves attention. Beijing joined as a strategic partner in 1994, providing substantial funding and diplomatic backing to G77 initiatives. This arrangement allows China to support developing world causes without being bound by formal membership obligations that might conflict with its status as a major power.
Uruguay’s presidential agenda focuses on four key areas: accelerating climate action, mediating international conflicts, strengthening multilateral institutions, and supporting renewable energy projects in the most vulnerable communities. The country’s commitment to these issues stems from its own successful transition to renewable energy, with over 95% of electricity coming from clean sources.
Small nations often punch above their weight in diplomatic circles, and Uruguay exemplifies this trend. The country’s neutral stance and strong democratic institutions make it an effective mediator in regional disputes. This credibility proves essential when navigating the complex political dynamics between countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Venezuela while maintaining productive relationships across ideological divides.
What Is the Group of 77 and China?
Born in 1964, the Group of 77 and China represents the world’s largest coalition of developing nations. This alliance unites 134 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, encompassing approximately 80% of the global population.
The coalition emerged from a practical need: individual developing nations often lack sufficient influence in international forums. By pooling their diplomatic weight, these countries can effectively challenge policies that favor wealthier nations and negotiate better terms in global agreements. This collective approach has proven particularly valuable at United Nations assemblies, where voting blocs carry substantial influence.
China joined as a strategic partner in 1994, though it maintains a unique status rather than full membership. The partnership provides developing nations with access to alternative funding sources and technological expertise, while offering China expanded diplomatic relationships across the Global South. This arrangement has facilitated major infrastructure projects and trade agreements that might otherwise remain out of reach for smaller economies.
The organization focuses on concrete policy areas including debt restructuring, technology transfer, and climate finance. These nations face similar challenges—limited access to capital markets, dependence on commodity exports, and vulnerability to economic shocks from developed countries’ policy changes. Through coordinated advocacy, they’ve successfully pushed for reforms in international financial institutions and secured greater representation in global economic governance. The group has historically advocated against apartheid and called for global disarmament as part of its broader commitment to international justice.
How Does the G77 Presidency Rotate Each Year?
The Group of 77 and China switches its presidency every January through a straightforward regional rotation. Three regions take turns leading: Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
This rotation system gives each geographic area equal opportunity to steer the organization’s priorities and speak for developing countries in international forums. When one region finishes its year-long term, the next region in line automatically assumes leadership responsibilities.
The predictable handover process means member countries can plan ahead and prepare for their region’s upcoming presidency. Each incoming president brings their region’s specific concerns and perspectives to global negotiations on trade, development, and economic policy. The organization was established in 1964 by 77 developing countries and has since grown to become the largest intergovernmental organization of developing nations within the UN.
Regional Rotation System
The Group of 77 and China operates a rotating presidency that cycles through three geographic regions: Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Each region takes turns leading the organization, ensuring no single area dominates decision-making.
The system works by passing leadership responsibilities between regions on a scheduled basis. Cuba represented Latin America and the Caribbean during 2023, while Pakistan took the helm for Asia-Pacific in 2022. Within the African region, Egypt handed over duties to Kenya in July 2025, and Iraq currently serves as the 2025 president.
This rotation gives every member region equal opportunities to set priorities and influence global policy discussions. The structured approach prevents regional bias from affecting the organization’s direction, allowing diverse perspectives from developing nations across three continents to shape international dialogue on economic and social issues. The Chair acts as spokesman and coordinates actions across the organization’s various Chapters located in cities worldwide.
Annual Handover Ceremony Process
Every January, something pretty remarkable happens at the United Nations. The Group of 77 and China holds its annual handover ceremony, where one developing country passes leadership duties to another. This rotating system has been keeping the coalition strong for decades.
You’ll usually find these ceremonies taking place at UN headquarters in New York, though Geneva and Rome step in when needed. Ambassadors fly in from around the world, government ministers make the trip, and top UN officials clear their calendars. When travel gets complicated, they’ve proven they can make virtual ceremonies work just as well.
The whole thing follows a tried-and-true format that actually means something. The outgoing chair kicks things off by welcoming everyone and talking through what they accomplished during their year. UN leadership then takes the floor to discuss where the Group has made real progress. The moment everyone’s waiting for comes when the incoming chair steps up to accept their new responsibilities and lay out their plans. During these transitions, member states reaffirm their commitment to mutual international cooperation for addressing shared development challenges.
What makes these ceremonies special is how they bring together 134 member countries that represent most of the world’s developing nations. Uruguay has participated in this process since the Group’s founding in 1964, and like other members, we see these transitions as proof that smaller economies can work together effectively on the global stage. The numbers back this up—when the G77 speaks with one voice at UN negotiations, it represents about 80% of the world’s population and two-thirds of UN membership.
Why Uruguay’s 2026 Presidency Marks a Regional Shift
When Uruguay takes the helm of the Group of 77 and China in 2026, the nation will lead an organization representing 134 developing countries—about 80% of the world’s population and two-thirds of UN members. This coalition focuses on economic development and South-South cooperation among developing nations.
The presidency follows a regional rotation system, with Latin America and the Caribbean receiving the 2026 slot. Uruguay’s selection breaks from the pattern of larger regional powers like Brazil or Mexico typically taking these roles.
Uruguay’s leadership comes during a year when the country will simultaneously chair three major organizations. The nation leads CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) starting March 2026 and takes over Mercosur’s rotating presidency later that year. This concentration of leadership roles is unprecedented for Uruguay.
The timing creates unique opportunities for coordination across these platforms. CELAC represents all 33 Latin American and Caribbean nations, while Mercosur includes South America’s major economies. The Group of 77 extends Uruguay’s influence to Africa, Asia, and other developing regions.
Uruguay’s diplomatic approach emphasizes pragmatic problem-solving over ideological positions. The country maintains strong relationships across political divides—trading with China while keeping close US ties, and working with both left and right-leaning regional governments. This balanced stance positions Uruguay as an effective broker for diverse developing nation interests.
For a country with fewer people than many global cities, Uruguay will suddenly represent billions. The nation’s diplomatic corps, though small, has built a reputation for competence in multilateral settings, particularly through its substantial UN peacekeeping contributions and consistent international law advocacy. The coalition accounts for half of global trade in goods and one-third of global trade in services.
Uruguay’s Four Priorities: Climate, Conflict, Multilateralism, and Cooperation
Uruguay’s leadership agenda tackles four interconnected challenges that affect developing nations across the globe. The country speaks for 134 nations representing four-fifths of the world’s population, bringing these key issues forward:
Climate action focuses on protecting vulnerable communities from environmental disasters and supporting transitions to renewable energy sources. Many of these nations face the harshest effects of climate change despite contributing least to global emissions.
Conflict resolution works to address regional military tensions and build lasting peace among member countries. Wars and disputes drain resources that could otherwise fund development projects and social programs.
Multilateral cooperation strengthens how two-thirds of UN members participate in global negotiations. Smaller economies often struggle to make their voices heard when major powers dominate international discussions.
South-South partnerships expand trade relationships and development solutions between developing countries. These collaborations allow nations with similar challenges to share practical approaches that work in their specific contexts. Uruguay maintains a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China that has driven bilateral trade growth of 29% in 2024.
Climate change makes existing inequalities worse while armed conflicts undermine economic stability. The nations Uruguay represents handle half of global trade in goods, giving them significant collective influence when they coordinate their positions. This presidency emphasizes direct dialogue and hands-on partnerships that help developing countries gain more say in decisions affecting their populations.
The approach moves beyond traditional aid models toward genuine partnerships where countries learn from each other’s experiences and build mutual economic benefits.
Why China Backs the G77 Without Joining
China’s been playing wingman to the Group of 77 for thirty years now, pumping in cash and political backing while staying carefully outside the club’s official membership rolls. This buddy-from-the-sidelines approach gives Beijing the best of both worlds – it gets to position itself as the champion of poorer countries without losing the flexibility that comes from maintaining its own distinct diplomatic identity.
The whole arrangement kicked off in 1994 when Chinese leadership figured out they’d have more influence supporting the G77 from arm’s length than getting lost in the crowd as just another developing nation voice. By staying external, China keeps its options open and avoids getting boxed into positions that might clash with its broader strategic interests.
Think of it like Uruguay’s relationship with MERCOSUR – sometimes you get more done working closely with a group while maintaining some independence rather than being fully committed to every single decision the bloc makes. China’s calculated that supporting the G77’s agenda on issues like climate finance and trade reform serves its interests better when it can pick and choose how deeply to engage on specific issues. The G77 mechanism itself was formed in 1964 and has grown to encompass over 130 members focused on South-South cooperation.
The financial backing China provides speaks louder than any membership card could. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road program and various development funds, Beijing has channeled billions toward G77 priorities, giving it serious clout in shaping the group’s direction without the formal obligations that come with membership.
Political Support Since 1994
Since 1994, China and the Group of 77 developing nations have built an unusual working relationship at the United Nations. China supports G77 positions and initiatives without actually joining the group as a full member. This setup gives China more sway in global discussions while keeping it free from the formal commitments that come with membership.
The partnership operates through several key mechanisms. China consistently votes with developing countries on major governance issues that come before the UN. Official UN paperwork now routinely refers to “G77 and China” when describing this bloc’s positions. The two sides regularly meet before important negotiations to align their strategies and talking points.
This alliance has real bite when it comes to challenging existing international institutions. Take the World Trade Organization – the G77 and China bloc has successfully pushed for changes that give developing countries more say in trade rules. They’ve also pressed the International Monetary Fund and World Bank to reform lending practices that many poor nations see as unfair. When Vice-Premier Liu Guozhong addresses South Summit meetings, he often echoes concerns that smaller countries have raised for decades about being shut out of decision-making.
The numbers tell the story of why this matters. The G77 represents about two-thirds of UN member states and roughly 80% of the world’s population. Adding China’s economic weight and Security Council veto power creates a formidable negotiating bloc that Western powers can’t easily ignore during international talks. China’s assistance extends beyond diplomatic support to include infrastructure projects like roads, airports, and ports that could significantly impact livelihoods in recipient countries.
Financial Leverage Without Membership
| What China Gives | What China Gets |
|---|---|
| Funds for G77 summits | Access to 134 trade partners |
| Infrastructure investments | Influence at UN negotiations |
| Capacity-building support | Belt and Road promotion platform |
| South-South project pledges | Voice amplification with Global South |
| Decades of sustained backing | Freedom from binding commitments |
Beijing gets to shape global development conversations while staying outside the formal membership structure. This means China avoids paying regular dues or following the voting rules that bind actual G77 members, yet still wields considerable influence over the group’s direction and priorities.
China has provided continuous political support to the G77 since the early 1990s, establishing a pattern of engagement that predates many current member states’ involvement in the group.
New Economic Order Alignment
Behind the financial calculations sits a broader vision: how the global economy should actually function. China backs the G77’s campaign for economic reforms that would give developing nations more say in international decisions. These partnerships go beyond monetary concerns—they’re about changing who gets to write the rules.
China endorses several core changes the G77 wants to see happen. The group pushes for greater representation in institutions like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, where wealthy countries currently hold most voting power. They want trade agreements that don’t automatically benefit rich nations at everyone else’s expense. Technology transfer should come without political conditions attached. Climate policies need to account for what different countries can realistically achieve given their development levels.
This partnership makes practical sense for both sides. Each wants an economic system where smaller economies get heard, not pushed aside. China demonstrates this commitment through programs like Belt and Road, now active in more than 150 countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The initiative builds infrastructure and trade links that bypass traditional Western-dominated channels. Developing countries have contributed 80% to global economic growth over the past two decades, reflecting their expanding role in the world economy.
China’s approach of supporting rather than joining the G77 serves strategic purposes. It amplifies the group’s reform message while preserving China’s ability to negotiate separate deals with individual countries. This flexibility matters when managing relationships with nations that have different priorities and political systems.
What Uruguay’s G77 Role Means for Mercosur and Regional Integration
Uruguay’s upcoming G77 presidency in 2026 positions the country to fundamentally change how South American nations collaborate. Leading this bloc of 134 developing countries gives Uruguay substantial diplomatic weight on the global stage.
The timing creates unprecedented opportunities for regional cooperation. Uruguay simultaneously holds CELAC’s presidency starting March 2026, granting the nation influence across two major multilateral platforms. This dual leadership could revive the dormant Mercosur-China dialogue, which last convened in 2018.
Regional politics present obstacles that require careful navigation. Argentina’s current administration has cooled relations with China, while Brazil’s changing political landscape creates uncertainty around existing trade agreements. Paraguay continues expressing concerns about flexible trading arrangements within the bloc.
Uruguay’s position as a smaller nation actually strengthens its ability to mediate these tensions. Coordinating two-thirds of UN membership through the G77 provides significant leverage in international negotiations. The country can push for concrete trade improvements while championing broader developing world priorities. Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin will serve as coordinator and spokesperson, enhancing the joint negotiating capacity among member countries.
Small countries often succeed where regional powers fail because they pose less threat to competing interests. Uruguay’s leadership roles offer a window to advance practical economic integration without triggering the sovereignty concerns that larger nations sometimes provoke. This moment could define South American cooperation for years ahead.
References
- https://www.plenglish.com/news/2026/01/14/uruguay-assumes-g77china-presidency/
- https://www.radioguaimaro.icrt.cu/en/news/the-world/uruguay-from-today-leads-the-group-of-77-and-china
- https://indepthnews.net/uruguay-can-propel-relations-between-south-america-and-china/
- https://www.plenglish.com/tags/china/
- https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k13/k13a2q1ukl
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_of_77
- https://www.g77.org/doc/Declaration2025.htm
- https://www.film.at/alita-battle-angel
- https://www.telesurenglish.net/uruguay-assumes-presidency-g77-china/
- https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/en/g77-china
