Geneva: H.E. SUON Prasith, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Cambodia to the World Trade Organisation and other international organisations (Economy and Trade) in Geneva, has officially handed over the chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China (Geneva Chapter) to Mr. Crist³bal MELGAR PAZOS, Charg© d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Peru, for the 2025 mandate.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the official handover ceremony took place in Geneva, Switzerland on Jan. 28, attended by Mr. Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UNCTAD, representing Ms. Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD, along with members of the Group of 77 and China. The Group is the largest negotiating body within the United Nations system, consisting of 134 member countries. Cambodia assumed the vice-chair duties on Nov. 23, 2022, and took over the chairmanship on Jan. 30, 2024. During its leadership, Cambodia represented the Group in approximately 95 meetings and negotiations, contributing to discussions at the United Nations in New York.
The Cambodian delegation led discussions and established three pivotal working groups focused on the digital economy, financing for development, and climate change, trade, and sustainable development. It also coordinated the 60th anniversary of the Group’s establishment on Sept. 13, 2024, organizing high-level dialogues and adopting a joint ambassadorial statement.
In preparation for the UNCTAD XVI Ministerial Conference scheduled for October 2025, Cambodia coordinated internal discussions to establish a common stance for participation in the conference. The Deputy Secretary-General expressed appreciation for Cambodia’s leadership and reaffirmed support for the Group’s future endeavors.
The event saw participation from coordinators of regional groups, including Least Developed Countries, Asia-Pacific Group, GRULAC, the Arab Group, and Small Island Developing States, who praised Cambodia’s leadership. Despite being a least-developed country, Cambodia successfully steered the Group to significant achievements.