Ecuador to takeover presidency of UN developing nations bloc in 2017

Ecuador on Friday was named president of the Group of 77 and China bloc at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

According to a statement issued after the meeting, Ecuador will hold the presidency of the group for a year, beginning in January 2017.

"This is the first time the country will hold this position," said Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Guillaume Long. "This represents the pride and responsibility of carrying the flag of solidarity and brotherhood among the people of the Global South."

The G77 and China group is a coalition of developing countries at the UN.

Long also said Ecuador saw the cause of the Global South as a universal cause for all of humanity.

"The role of the G77+China is crucial. We commit all our effort to bring about a fairer, equal, inclusive and sustainable international order," he added.

Also at the meeting, UN chief Ban Ki-moon highlighted the accomplishments of the bloc under Thailand's current presidency, hailing it "a driving force behind the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."

The G77 was created in June 1964, with 77 initial members. At present, its membership has risen to 134, making it one of the most significant groupings of UN members. Endit