New York: Rwanda has been elected to chair the Group of 77 and China (G77) for 2027, placing the East African country at the helm of the United Nations’ largest coalition of developing countries.

The decision was taken by acclamation during the G77’s 50th Annual Meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs in New York on September 25. Rwanda will take over the rotating chairmanship from Uruguay at the beginning of 2027.

Rwanda Accepts the Responsibility

Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe formally accepted the chairmanship on behalf of his government.

The G77 comprises 134 developing countries and serves as a platform for members to coordinate positions on international economic and development issues. Together with China, the grouping represents more than 80 percent of the world’s population.

Rwanda has said it intends to work closely with member states and defend their collective interests in international negotiations.

Focus on Global South Cooperation

The chairmanship comes as developing countries seek greater influence in discussions concerning global economic governance.

Issues expected to remain important during Rwanda’s tenure include international trade, climate finance, technology, sustainable development and reform of multilateral institutions.

The G77’s 2026 ministerial declaration also reaffirmed the group’s commitment to cooperation, solidarity and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including reducing poverty.

Rwanda’s African Role

The 2027 chairmanship was allocated to the African Group under the G77’s rotating regional arrangement.

Rwanda is also a founding member of the G77, which was established in 1964. The country has described its selection as an opportunity to advance the priorities of developing nations and strengthen South-South cooperation.

What the G77 Chair Does

The G77 chair has an important coordinating role within the grouping. The chair represents the collective positions of member states in relevant UN processes and helps coordinate the group’s activities and negotiations.

Rwanda’s term will begin on January 1, 2027, with the formal handover ceremony expected early in January.

A Key Moment for Developing Countries

Rwanda’s upcoming leadership comes at a time when developing countries are calling for changes to the international system, including greater participation in global economic and political decision-making.

The G77 will continue to negotiate collectively on issues affecting development, financing, trade and international cooperation. Rwanda’s chairmanship will give it a central coordinating role in those discussions throughout 2027.