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Rome, 24/01/2025 – The Group of 77 and China - Rome Chapter convened for its Handover Ceremony, marking the transition of leadership from Mr. Khalid Mehboob of Pakistan to Mr. Tomás Alberto Duncan Jurado of Panama. The session underscored the Group’s commitment to multilateralism, food security, and global cooperation. 

In his final address, Mr. Khalid Mehboob highlighted the G77’s role in tackling food security and climate challenges. He emphasized that achievements like FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) were made possible through unity. He concluded by calling for renewed cooperation before officially passing leadership to his successor. 

FAO Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu expressed appreciation for Mr. Mehboob’s leadership and welcomed Mr. Duncan Jurado. He reaffirmed the G77 & China’s crucial role in agrifood transformation and food security. Dr. Qu stressed the need for sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience while advocating for the empowerment of youth, women, and rural communities. 

IFAD Vice-President Ms. Gérardine Mukeshimana recognized the outgoing Chairperson’s contributions and welcomed Mr. Duncan Jurado. She highlighted the ongoing hunger crisis, affecting millions, especially rural communities. She reiterated IFAD’s commitment to supporting the G77 & China through investments in climate resilience, job creation, and sustainable development. 

WFP Assistant Executive Director Mr. Stephen Omollo congratulated the new Chairperson and praised Mr. Mehboob’s leadership. He reaffirmed WFP’s commitment to food system resilience, self-reliance, and mitigating climate change impacts. Given global crises, he emphasized the importance of international collaboration and value chain support for smallholder farmers. 

In his inaugural address, Mr. Tomás Alberto Duncan Jurado expressed gratitude and stressed Panama’s commitment to food security and economic justice. Referencing Panama’s historic struggle for control of the Panama Canal, he called for stronger coordination within the Group. 

Members delivered remarks to congratulate Mr Mehboob on his excellent leadership and welcomed Mr. Duncan Jurado as the new Chairperson.  

The ceremony concluded with Mr. Mehboob handing over the chairpersonship, after which Mr. Duncan Jurado presented a certificate of acknowledgment to his predecessor. Mr. Duncan Jurado reaffirmed his dedication to multilateralism and strengthened dialogue among nations.