On 17 January 2013, H.E. Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva made a statement at the Ceremony of the Hand-over of the Chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China, at Palais des Nations, Geneva

     Ambassador Thani express Thailand’s appreciation and congratulations to Indonesia, whose work as Chair has steered the Group into new territories.  In particular, Thailand commended Indonesia’s skills in balancing the interests of member countries at UNCTAD XIII, especially the interests of developing countries, and also with regard to the consideration of the report of the Joint Inspection Unit. Indonesia will be succeeded by Ecuador, as the former Vice-Chairman of the Group of G77 and China. 

     Ambassador  Thani also mentioned that next year, 2014, will be a landmark year for UNCTAD and for the Group of G77 and China, as it is the year to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of both.  Ambassador Thani concluded that UNCTAD will play a crucial role in paving the way towards the post-2015 development agenda.