G-77: Foreign minister calls for meaningful global partnership

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen called for a robust and meaningful global partnership for the timely implementation of the Agenda-2030 and for reducing the risk of future disasters.

He made the remarks while addressing the 44th annual meeting of ministers for foreign affairs of the member states of the G-77, said a foreign ministry statement on Friday. 

The minister highlighted Bangladesh’s comprehensive response plan with a stimulus package of around US$ 14.14 billion (4.3 per cent of GDP) to secure the life and livelihood of the people to minimize the impact of the pandemic under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He while speaking at the event spoke about the potential loss of the global economy and simultaneous social costs due to covid-19 which would be almost impossible to quantify.

He also referred to the Rohingya crisis that has caused double jeopardy for Bangladesh in tandem with the pandemic and heavily disrupted its phenomenal success towards achieving the SDGs.

Momen further said, “COVID-19 response and recovery process provides us with an opportunity to work together and respond collectively for building a more sustainable and resilient world”.

He emphasized the significance of ensuring equitable access to safe, effective and affordable Covid-19 vaccines and other preventive tools in his remarks.

In a virtual platform, foreign ministers of the member states of the Group of 77 and China met on the occasion of their forty-fourth annual meeting on 12 November and discussed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, challenges faced by developing countries in the economic, social and environmental areas.