Prime Minister Mark Phillips has highlighted the imperative of global solidarity to confront the interconnected challenges faced by the Global South, encompassing socio-economic, environmental, and governance issues.
Speaking at the Third South Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Group of 77 and China in Kampala, Uganda, under the theme “Leaving No One Behind,” Prime Minister Phillips stressed the urgency of a collaborative approach to overcome formidable challenges.
In his address, Prime Minister Phillips acknowledged the severe consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing that developing countries might require several years to recover the growth levels necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
He expressed concern about reports of regression, with over 50% of targets off track or in reverse.
To address these challenges, the Prime Minister called for exploring common positions and taking decisive, coherent actions at various levels.
He also reiterated Guyana’s support for the Palestinian quest for a secure homeland and endorsed a two-state solution for lasting Israel-Palestine peace.
Prime Minister Phillips urged an urgent international review of development financing approaches, especially for Small Island Developing States vulnerable to external shocks like climate emergencies, financial and debt difficulties, and surging food prices.
He emphasized that these challenges exacerbate inequalities and sustain poverty, hindering global efforts toward sustainable development.
Highlighting the desired outcomes of the Summit, Prime Minister Phillips underscored the importance of South-South, North-South, and Triangular cooperation between developing countries.
He reaffirmed Guyana’s enduring solidarity, cooperation, and shared growth with fellow developing countries through the G77 bloc.