Ababu Namwamba, Kenya’s former Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, has been elected chairman of the G77 + China, taking over leadership of the largest bloc of developing nations at the United Nations.
He officially stepped into the role on 3 July during a formal handover ceremony in Nairobi, where Ambassador Wael Nasreldin Attiya of Egypt, the outgoing chair, passed the baton.
“Kenya embraces this responsibility with vision and resolve,” Namwamba said during his acceptance speech. “We will work to ensure that the voices of developing countries are not only heard but shape the outcomes of global environmental and development dialogues.”
The Group of 77, commonly referred to as G77, now includes 134 member states plus China. It was established in 1964 to give developing countries a stronger collective voice within the UN system, especially on economic and social issues.
Egypt’s leadership over the past year focused heavily on climate diplomacy and equitable global decision-making. Ambassador Attiya was praised for helping strengthen the bloc’s unity at a time of rising global challenges.
Namwamba’s appointment signals a fresh chapter for the G77 + China, with Kenya taking a more visible role in global diplomacy. The chairmanship rotates between regions, and this marks a rare opportunity for Kenya to steer the conversation on issues like climate justice, biodiversity, and sustainable development.
Analysts say Kenya’s rising presence in multilateral forums especially around environmental governance helped bolster its bid for the role. Under Namwamba’s stewardship, expectations are high that the group will continue pushing for fairer global policies that reflect the needs of the Global South.
“This is more than just a title,” said Dr Mary Wekesa, an international relations lecturer at the University of Nairobi. “It’s a chance for Kenya to shape key international conversations, especially on matters like climate change where the stakes are very real for African nations.”
The G77 + China, though not a formal bloc with binding policies, often coordinates voting and negotiation positions within the UN General Assembly and other bodies.
Namwamba’s leadership will be closely watched as he works to balance the varied interests of its 134 members ranging from small island states to emerging economies while keeping focus on the shared goal of a more inclusive global order.
“It’s time for the Global South to move from the margins to the centre of decision-making,” Namwamba said. “This is our moment to act.”
About the Author
