Madam Moderator,

1. I have the honour to make this intervention on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

2. The Group wishes to thank you, Deputy Secretary General, Ms. Isabelle Durant and your team for organizing this important Side Event.

3. The message is loud and clear. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated existing poverty, inequalities and vulnerabilities within and between countries, reversing development gains of the past decades. Developing countries face a difficult road to recovery from the humanitarian, social and economic fallout of the global crisis.

4. We acknowledge UNCTAD’s hard work in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, adapting its technical assistance to respond to country needs. It is important to note that in the midst of the global crisis, UNCTAD is able to adjust and support developing countries through its many analytical reports that contribute to critical policy responses. It is crucial, therefore, to properly document the impacts of the pandemic and more importantly, the solutions that could help to put us back on track to achieve the 2030 Agenda.

5. The G-77 urges UNCTAD to continue this important work as we aim for a resilient recovery that is fully aligned with the 2030 Agenda.

6. The Group of 77 and China considers that at this juncture, the enactment and application of unilateral coercive economic measures will have a negative impact on the capacity of States to respond efficiently, specifically in the acquisition of medical equipment and supplies to adequately treat their populations in the face of this pandemic. Ultimately, these measures also affect the essential cooperation and solidarity that should prevail among nations. We therefore call upon the international community to adopt urgent and effective measures to eliminate the use of unilateral coercive economic measures against developing countries.

7. The Group reaffirms the need for a strengthened multilateral system underpinned by the principles of unity and solidarity. This must be demonstrated through collective actions at all levels and with all stakeholders. We look forward to working closely with UNCTAD on our road to recovery and leaving no one behind.

8. I Thank you