12 MAY 2025, VIENNA, AUSTRIA - The Group of 77 and China (G-77) Chair in Vienna, Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative Maurice Makoloo, paid special recognition to the Philippines’ contribution to building bridges and consensus in the diplomatic community as he delivered his keynote address during the G-77 Fellowship Reception for Heads of Mission. “Tonight, we celebrate the contribution of the Philippines in helping us gather today…This event is a reminder of what brings us together,” said Ambassador Makoloo.

He also called on G-77 members to unite amid the work and challenges the group faces collectively in diplomatic negotiations in Vienna this year. Ambassador Makoloo quoted a Filipino proverb to illustrate the importance of unity and cooperation in G-77, a coalition of 134 developing countries aiming to promote its members' collective economic interests and enhance their negotiating capacity at the United Nations and other international organizations. He stated in English, “Ang magkakapatid, tulad ng magkakaugnay na halaman, kapag sila’y inisa-isa, sila’y mahuhubog ng hangin (Siblings are like plants intertwined; when they are separated, they are swayed by the wind).” 

The Philippines plays a critical role in bridge-building and promoting the interest of developing countries through the G-77 by representing the Group as the Chairperson of the Working Group A of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban-Treaty Organization (CTBTO); serving as the Group‘s Task Force Coordinator for the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC); and leading negotiations in the General Conference Resolutions on Personnel, Women in the Secretariat, and Programme Action for Cancer Therapy on behalf of the Group at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), among others. Through active participation in G-77, the Philippines endeavors to amplify the voice and strengthen the negotiating position of developing countries in key international issues discussed in Vienna. 

The fellowship reception also served as a celebration of the G-77 Vienna Chapter’s 27th Anniversary. END.

H.E. Maurice Makoloo, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Kenya in Vienna and Chair of the G-77, leading a toast in the spirit of group unity and cooperation. The Philippines’ bridge building efforts among members of the group was recognized by Ambassador Makoloo in his remarks.