Developing Countries call for more Favourable Multilateral Framework

Leaders from developing countries around the world have issued a call for the creation of a more conducive multilateral framework, the implementation of the development agenda and the strengthening of South-South cooperation.
The call came as heads of state and governments addressed the official opening of the Second South Summit of the G-77 and China, which is being held in Doha, Qatar.
In his address, Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, who is chairman of the summit, said that globalization and interdependence were hallmarks of the current global economic order and the formulation of international economic policies therefore required a broader level of consultation and decision-making.
He said the G-77 was ready and willing to meet with the developed world including members of the G-8, to foster a global partnership and cooperation agreement. “We are ready to participate in the strengthening of a global system that works for the benefit of all,” the Prime Minister declared.
With regards to advancing the development agenda, Mr. Patterson pointed out, that in order to maintain the momentum and credibility of the Development Round on trade, which was launched in Doha, meaningful progress must be made at the Ministerial meeting scheduled for Hong Kong later this year. “Nothing less will suffice than results that fulfill our expectations for reform in the trade regime to support development efforts,” he stated.
Urging the G-77 to “intensify the struggle” and meaningfully engage the international partners in a renewed impetus for timely delivery, Mr. Patterson said that recent debt relief initiatives, while timely and commendable, should be expanded, and stated that the urgent requirements of other developing countries should not be overlooked, particularly those of Small Island Developing States.
The Prime Minister was joined by other leaders, in pointing out that development was fundamental to security and the achievement of the overall goals and objectives of the United Nations (UN) by 2015, and that any reform must take into consideration, the transfer of resources through the establishment of commitments on economic cooperation.
He stressed that the reforms should include the strengthening of those organs of the UN that would empower it to participate more meaningfully in decision-making that related to international economic affairs.
“There is the need to deal with systemic issues, which operate to the detriment of developing countries. In the trade regime, financial monetary system and the rules of access to technology, there still remain severe inequities that restrict our development prospects. Unless the rules are changed, we will not be able to break free from the bondage of underdevelopment,” Mr. Patterson stated.
Turning to south-south cooperation, Prime Minister Patterson said that while there have been some successes since the first South Summit in Havana in 2001, the level of cooperation was indeed much less than outlined in the Havana Programme of Action.
He urged the conference to establish a new platform for strengthening south-south cooperation and implement an agreed programme that would achieve significant results over the next five years.
The strengthening of south-south cooperation is to be achieved through the establishment of a South Centre and will also see more active participation by the business sector through the reviving of the G-77 Chamber of Commerce.