PM wants more unity in G-15 PRIME MINISTER P.J. Patterson has pointed to some successful initiatives by the Group of Fifteen (G-15) developing countries, but has challenged the group to do even more to remain relevant and credible. He has urged G-15 leaders to take the bold and decisive steps needed to strengthen the group's cohesiveness and credibility, and to assume a pivotal role in the dialogue between advanced and poor countries, in keeping with the organisation's original mandate. Mr. Patterson made the case for refocusing and enhanced co-ordination of the group, as he spoke with several other Prime Ministers and presidents of G-15 countries during their retreat session of the 11th summit, which ended in Jakarta, Indonesia on Thursday. He noted that the group has made significant progress in increasing functional co-operation including a G-15 human resource programme as well as a Task Force to develop an information and communication technology co-operation programme among member countries. However, he wants the group of developing countries to approach these tangible programmes with greater urgency. "These and other projects must be followed up for their own merit and also to strengthen the identity and credibility of the G-15," Mr. Patterson said. He noted too, that the success of the meeting in Indonesia was reflected in the ability of the leaders to agree to formulate proposals for the reform of the international financial system and the decision to speak with one voice in the upcoming Fourth Ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organisation to be held in Doha, Qatar. Such united action, he stressed, is critical for advancing the positions which developing nations need to place on the international agenda, for the benefit of their people. Meaningful dialogue between poor nations of the South and the more advanced economies of the North, Mr. Patterson said, was now an imperative in light of the serious challenges posed by globalisation. He added: "The need for dialogue is more pressing than ever before. Globalisation has increased inter-dependence but has also accentuated imbalances. This is reflected in trends in investment flows, trade, technological capabilities, growth performance, the effects of climate change and the state of the global environment."
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