Antigua and Barbuda lead negotiating block
No commentsOne of the most important groups of countries – representing much of the developing world – is a negotiating block called the Group of 77 plus China.
The process of negotiations here in Poznan, Poland is intense, as developed and developing countries negotiate the different elements of the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol and, the Bali Action Plan agreed in 2007.
Just a month before Antigua and Barbuda finishes its terms as Chair of the group, Ambassador and Chairwoman Diann Black-Layne cites consensus on the transfer of technology and key financial instruments as its main achievements.
Currently at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poznań, Poland, Black-Layne, speaking with The Daily OBSERVER said the delegation “have done really well – it is not something that we can glorify – but I think that as chair we were able to guide the group well.”
Black-Layne said that Antigua has been chair of the G77 and China for 2008 but would pass on the mantle to Sudan on December 31 at an official handing over ceremony in New York in January.
“In general when you are chairing a body such as this, Antigua and Barbuda cannot express their national position because the group would not trust you to give their position on their behalf,” Black-Layne said when asked if leading the 137 member group conflicts with the country’s dual membership with the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). “AOSIS have another say in what happens as well but we just appear neutral so we are not at odds with them at all.” Black-Layne said.
Black-Layne explained that the level of success achieved by the group can be measured by the level of consensus on agenda items: “There are several key, heavy, important agenda items and the more consensus we can get on those items the better off the group becomes in terms of our negotiating weight,” she said.
The Bali Action Plan set out the two-year process to finalise an agreement in Denmark in December 2009. This agreement will set out action to be taken by both developed and developing countries to combat climate change, based on historical responsibility and in accordance with countries “common but differentiated responsibility”.
Ambassador Black-Layne attributed a lot of Antigua’s influence within G77 to its usual chairman, Dr Ashe, who she said, is a “really well known and highly respected” negotiator in New York. “It is because if his reputation that I think we are doing well in terms of where we are now,” she said.
The G77 sets out to have a consensus of key issues among its members, despite not being a voting body. Its members range from countries such as the Saudi Arabia and Syria, to Indonesia, Samoa, Fiji and most Caribbean countries.
Getting agreement among the group is essential for the progress of any international negotiations and with so many diverse countries within the group, this poses difficulties, and especially as each country has different national agendas.
The importance of the Group of 77 and China is in providing the means for the countries of the South to articulate and promote their collective economic interests and enhance their joint negotiating capacity on all major issues within the United Nations system.
