Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canel (L) speaks during the inaugural session of the G77+China Summit at the Convention Palace in Havana on September 15, 2023 (Twitter @DiazCanelB)

Scientific and technological development, as well as innovation, lie at the core of this year's Group of 77 and China (G77+China) Summit, affirmed Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during his Saturday speech.

In his address at the summit, Lula da Silva pointed out that while technology has advanced in various fields, there have been instances where its use has resulted in violations of international laws. However, he expressed a keen interest in channeling these sciences toward positive endeavors.

"There have been instances where technology use resulted in violations of international laws, and we are keenly interested in channeling these sciences toward positive endeavors."#Brazilian President Inacio Lula da Silva at the G77+China Summit. #G77Summit #G77ChinaYCuba https://t.co/Q38sZpRZFK
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) September 16, 2023

Furthermore, he underscored the collective responsibility of nations worldwide in safeguarding biodiversity and stressed their commitment to fostering industrial growth rooted in renewable and green energy resources.

The Brazilian President also placed significant emphasis on the need for increased knowledge and experience exchange between countries of the Global South, highlighting its potential for generating positive outcomes across different fields.

Founded in 1964, the G77 quickly became a key player in the global economic landscape, providing a platform for developing nations to voice concerns, advocate interests, coordinate stances, and negotiate with developed nations.

This year's summit, however, is different. It presents China at its core in its capacity as a major force shaping a multipolar world and a leader in the Global South.

The G77+China Summit in Cuba marks a milestone event with significant geopolitical implications for both the host country and China, as well as the broader Global South.

With the #G77 and #China Summit coming up in #Havana, here's what you need to know about the group that accounts for 80% of the world's population.#Cuba #G77yChina pic.twitter.com/pedbbl1Wys
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) September 14, 2023

Science and technology in the service of humanity

Colombian President Gustavo Petro emphasized the urgent need to transition to a decarbonized economy in response to the climate crisis and called for a Marshall Plan to facilitate investments in this transition.

In his speech at the G77+China Summit, Petro highlighted climate change as the most pressing global issue, with the world's poor being disproportionately affected, leading to the displacement of billions of people and adverse consequences for agriculture and democracy.

The Colombian leader also stressed the importance of science, technology, and innovation, particularly for humanity, in general, and especially for developing nations within the G77, saying, "A progressive idea of the world cannot be separated from a scientific vision."

However, Petro stressed that "technology must lead us to a carbon- and oil-free economy" and that G77+China must delve into this discussion to establish a framework and implement it to reach these objectives.

On the current world financial system, the Colombian President pointed out the negative impacts of capitalism on nature and human well-being, emphasizing the need to increase international development funds.

Regarding financing the decarbonized economy, he proposed two methods: capital or state funds, emphasizing the importance of debt reduction as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic to enable a new financing system for a carbon-free economy.

Touching upon the current world order, Petro called out the G7's double standards when addressing international conflicts, comparing the rich countries's reaction to the Russian-Ukraine conflict in contrast to their stance on the Israeli occupation of Palestine and the daily Palestinian struggle.

Referring to Western pressure on non-alignment countries to pick a corner in the global conflict today, Petra called for a balanced approach stressing that G77 countries "don't have to be with one side against the other," while also urging world powers to mediate a peace agreement between Moscow and Kiev rather than prolonging the war.

Saudi Arabia focused on technology, climate

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, speaking at the Group of 77 and China Summit in Cuba on Saturday, emphasized Saudi Arabia's commitment to transitioning into clean energy and dedicating massive resources to scientific and technological advancements.

Addressing recent rapid technological developments and breakthroughs around the world, bin Farhan outlined one of Saudi Arabia's primary objectives as "bridging the digital divide," highlighting the nation's dedication to using telecommunications technology in the fight against climate change.

His announcement followed a proposal by summit participants to establish an annual "Science, Technology, and Innovation Day" in the Global South -- a proposal that garnered widespread support among members and participants in the Summit.

Continuing the discussion, the Saudi Minister underscored the nation's dedication to development matters, stating that his country is fully committed to facilitating and enabling all development projects.

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Moreover, he pointed out that investing in clean energy technology is a pivotal step in achieving a just and comprehensive transition away from fossil fuels. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia operates within the framework of the circular carbon economy, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions.

On international collaboration, Riyadh's top diplomat stressed the importance of achieving global climate objectives, particularly in the areas of innovation, research, and development, in order to advance clean technologies and reach net-zero emissions targets.

Bin Farhan highlighted Saudi Arabia's active involvement in various initiatives aimed at addressing environmental challenges, including the Green Middle East Initiative and the Saudi Green Initiative.

Concluding his speech, the Saudi Foreign Minister expressed his country's anticipation of hosting the member states of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh in the coming year, emphasizing the nation's ongoing commitment to tackle the land degradation threat and protect natural resources in alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.