Overview

The Group of 77, founded in 1964, is the largest coalition of developing countries within the United Nations. Today with 134 member countries, the G77 group aims to boost collective economic interests and foster South-South cooperation. The coalition is also notably committed to promoting equality, justice, and development-oriented economic policies. In this committee, delegates can pursue the interests of developing countries in sectors of public health, economic growth, and infrastructure with the topics of technology transfer and access to vaccines and medications.

Topic 1: Accelerating Technology Transfer

Technology transfer in international relations is defined as the process of moving scientific knowledge, manufacturing methods, and skills across national borders. This move typically occurs from developed countries into developing countries and creates opportunities for economic development by providing access to innovations that enhance productivity and boost competitiveness. Technology transfer can also introduce methods to combat issues related to climate, public health, or infrastructure, helping boost the standards of living in receiving countries. Despite having more advanced technology than ever before, much of the world today still suffers from issues that could easily be resolved using existing knowledge and methods already being used in other nations. Delegates are tasked with creating favorable conditions for technology transfer and finding ways to promote its occurrence in the developing world.

Topic 2: Access to Vaccines and Medications

Sufficient access to vaccines and medications is essential to the well-being of a country by ensuring security against infectious disease outbreaks and reducing overall costs of healthcare. Many developing countries do not experience such gains, as barriers of high costs, intellectual property rights, and weak infrastructure prevent the spread of key medications and vaccines. Global disparities in the production and supply chain of pharmaceuticals further concentrate the presence of high-demand medical treatments in developed countries. Delegates are tasked with creating solutions that overcome the barriers that prevent the developing world from reaching optimal health and increase their availability of pharmaceuticals.