At the conclusion of the recent Group of 77 (G77) conference in Havana, Cuba, a demand for a new world order was made in an effort to close the gap between developed and developing countries. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on the world leaders at the summit that the G77 should collaborate with the United Nations (UN) to achieve ‘equality for the Global South’. He claimed that now is the right moment for the international community to support developing countries to combat climate changes and reduce their reliance on foreign debt. The summit highlighted the leaders’ worries about Climate Change severe effects and the global economic system, both of which call for new ground rules to be implemented.
Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel stated that the South must now change the existing rules and principles in order to help developing countries achieve their goals. More than 100 nations and 30 heads of state and government attended the G77 meeting, where it was agreed that developing countries should have a greater voice and participation in shaping the future of the global governance system. As a founding member of the G77 group, Nigeria attends and contributes to each and every one of the group’s annual conferences.
Among the benefits is improving relations with Cuba.
Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, headed Nigerian delegation to the summit, themed “Current Development Challenges: The Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation.” During the summit, proactive approaches to resolving the obstacles that are preventing the development of member states were discussed. These approaches focused on adopting science, technology, and innovation to enhance member countries’ socio economic progress. Among the benefits that resulted from Nigerian participation in the summit was improving its relations with Cuba, the host country.
During a courtesy visit to Cuba, Vice President Kashim Shettima met with Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdes Mesa, at the Palace De Revolution in Havana, where the two agreed to strengthen ties between their countries and examine potential collaborations in the fields of agriculture, innovation, science, and Technology. Particularly, it was stated that Cuba is open to further collaboration with Nigeria in the fields of health, biodiversity, and Agriculture. On the sidelines of the summit, an agreement was reached between Nigeria and Cuba to strengthen their cooperation in the areas of innovation, science, and technology.
Both countries would collaborate on improving scientific knowledge.
Participation of Nigeria at the summit was highlighted with a signing ceremony, signed by Uche Nnaji, the country’s Minister of Innovation, Science & Technology, on behalf of his country. With the bilateral agreement in place, Nnaji told the Cuban government that Nigeria would harness the potentials it presented and would commence implementation in earnest. The two countries would collaborate on improving their scientific knowledge and human resources through the bilateral agreement. It will also include provisions for collaboration in the fields of biotechnology, scientific research and innovation, and technology transfer for development.
Another agreement pertaining to agricultural development and Food Security was signed between the governments of Nigeria and Cuba. The momentous MOU was signed on behalf of Nigeria by Alhaji Abubakar Kyari, the country’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, with aims to boost agricultural cooperation between the two countries. Also, there is anticipation that the agreements signed between the two countries will help boost Nigeria economy, encourage investment, and ultimately raise living standards for people in Nigeria.
Membership in G77 allow Nigeria to promote its potential.
Moreover, Nigeria membership in G77 opens doors for the country, allowing it to promote its potential internationally and ultimately resulting in mutually beneficial partnerships and investments that benefit both nations. Nigeria, a nation with a large population and enormous natural and human resources, has adeptly leveraged the G77 to its prominent position as a leader in Africa and attract investments from various corners across the globe. For Nigeria to keep on fostering mutual benefit partnerships and improve its diplomatic and economic standing, it must maintain its participation in the G77 platform.
