Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Ababu Namwamba, has officially been elected as the new Chair of the G77+China Nairobi Chapter.
Namwamba assumed the role during a ceremony held at the United Nations Complex in Nairobi on Friday, July 4. He takes over from Egypt’s Ambassador to Kenya, Wael Nasreidin Attiya.
In his acceptance speech, Namwamba praised Egypt’s leadership under Attiya and pledged to continue fostering consensus, mutual respect, and unity within the bloc.
“I highlighted the status of Nairobi as the global capital for environmental diplomacy, being the headquarters of UNEP and UN-Habitat, and emphasized the importance of mobilizing common positions at key junctures like the forthcoming UNEA7,” he said in a statement.
Namwamba also reiterated his commitment to the founding principles of the United Nations—maintaining international peace, fostering friendly relations among nations, and promoting cooperation and development.
“These principles are anchored in the sovereign equality of all member states and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” he noted. “We shall endeavour to mobilise and support the collective will of the G77+China for the common good of all member states.”
Formed in 1964, the G77+China is a coalition of developing countries aimed at promoting collective economic interests and strengthening negotiating capacity at the UN. It has grown to include 134 member states, making it the largest bloc within the UN system and a key driver of South-South cooperation.
