Kenya has officially assumed the leadership of the G77+China Nairobi Chapter, with Ambassador Hon. Ababu Namwamba, formally taking over the chairmanship from H.E. Wael Nasreidin Attiya, the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The transition was marked during a high-level ceremony hosted at the United Nations Complex in Nairobi on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Namwamba, who is the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), shared the news through his official X account on July 4, 2025, expressing honour at leading the largest coalition within the UN ecosystem.

G77+China’s global role

Founded in 1964 by 77 developing countries, the G77+China has expanded to include 134 member states and plays a crucial role in enhancing joint negotiating capacity and promoting the collective economic interests of its members.

The bloc continues to be instrumental in advocating for South-South cooperation and amplifying the voice of developing nations within the UN framework.

AN HONOUR TO CHAIR THE G77+CHINA (Nairobi Chapter)

In a ceremony hosted at the UN Complex, I formally assumed leadership of the G77+China from H.E Wael Nasreidin Attiya, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Kenya is honoured to take the Chair of this important group's… pic.twitter.com/XtbCIM4N6x

— Amb Hon Ababu-Namwamba, EGH🇰🇪 (@AbabuNamwamba) July 4, 2025

In his acceptance speech, Namwamba praised Egypt for its exemplary leadership and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to steering the group with mutual respect and consensus.

He emphasised Nairobi’s role as the global capital for environmental diplomacy, being home to UNEP and UN-Habitat, and stressed the importance of coordinated engagement ahead of key events like the upcoming UNEA-7.

Commitment to cooperation

Namwamba reiterated Kenya’s dedication to the core principles of the United Nations Charter, including the peaceful settlement of disputes, international cooperation, and the promotion of human rights and better living standards.

He called on G77+China members to mobilise common positions and act collectively for the shared prosperity of all member states.

“We shall endeavour to mobilise and to support the collective will of the G77+China towards this end for the common good,” he stated.

Kenya’s assumption of the chairmanship is expected to further boost its diplomatic influence, particularly in the fields of environmental governance, peace and security, and multilateral cooperation.