Special Ministerial Meeting stresses the achievements of G-77

São Paulo, June, 12 2004 - The Group of 77 concluded its two days commemoration of it's 40th Anniversary in São Paulo, by adopting a final Ministerial Declaration which stresses the Group's leading role in strengthening the role of U.N. "The Group of 77 has made a notable contribution to the effective functioning of the United Nations system. The Group has played a leading role in strengthening of the UN system in addressing global issues, particularly in the economic and social fields. The Group stresses the continued need to integrate the development dimension at the heart of international decision and rule making and in addressing the global processes…" the ministers said.

In addressing the closing ceremony today at Anhembi International Convention Center, the United Nations Secretary General Mr. Kofi Annan stressed the importance of the group of 77 by pointing out to its achievements during the last four decades "The Group of 77 has made key contributions in advancing the global development agenda. You have supported the work of the United Nations on social, economic and environmental issues... The economic and social changes of the past four decades have increased the diversity within your Group, while the political changes have brought you closer together. That unity one of your greatest assets. To quote again from some of your founding documents, forty years ago you said that unity was "an indispensable instrument". The United Nations, another indispensable instrument, has been pleased to be associated with your group and its goals from your very beginnings. I look forward to working closely with you towards a safer, fairer, more prosperous future for us all." he declared.

In his remarks at the closing ceremony of the commemoration, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Ahmed Jassim Al- Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce of the State of Qatar and Chairman of the Special Ministerial Meeting, declared "We have the duty and responsibility to ensure that their vision and dreams are maintained and passed to the generation to come. In this meeting, we have adopted a ministerial declaration that addresses the key issues that are major concern to developing countries. Clearly while we are proud of our achievements to date, the struggle for development remains an ongoing agenda. We reinforced and asserted our solidarity and our commitment to strengthen our unity in the face of new challenges..."

For more information, contact:

Mr. Mourad Ahmia
Executive Secretary of the Group of 77
United Nations Headquarters
Phone: (1) (212) 963-3816 / 963-0192
Fax: (1) (212) 963-3515 / 963-1753
Email: g77off@unmail.org
Website: www.g77.org