Mr. President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. At the outset, I would like to thank the Secretary General for the comprehensive briefing that he gave this morning on his priorities for 2020. The Group of 77 and China would like to reassure the Secretary-General of our support and cooperation in the execution of the work of the UN. We consider this an important opportunity to share some of our own priorities for the coming year, many of which coincide with those contained in the report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization.

It is important to recall that the G77 and China was born out of a need by developing countries to join forces with the international community to address common development challenges in the economic, social and environmental arenas. Today, with a membership of 135 States, the Group is firmly committed to eradicating poverty in all its forms, recognizing this as a global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. In this respect, the Group wishes to reiterate the need for the United Nations to place sustainable development front and center of the work of the Organization.

Consistent with the priority we place on sustainable development, the G77 and China will be looking to the UN for the requisite support and resources as the Secretary-General pursues the development pillar of Organizational reform. We will support the Secretary General and the Secretariat in continuing to promote the repositioning of the UN development system, in particular the consultations for the regional review and multi country office (MCO) review, a situation disproportionately affecting Small Island Developing States.

Mr. President,

It bears re-stating that the G-77 and China remains firmly committed to its founding principles of unity, complementarity, cooperation and solidarity. In the course of this year we will continue to push for action for the advancement of all humanity and the protection of our planet. As expressed in the joint declaration adopted by our Group on the occasion of its 55th anniversary ‘We stand together for the betterment of the lives of our peoples and of all humanity, embodying the principle of the sovereign equality of States, the recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family, the determination to protect the planet and the life it is home to, and the pledge to leave no one behind.

As we observe the 75th anniversary of the founding of the UN, we are also cognizant that this marks the final Decade of Action for implementation of the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. We should step up our commitment to multilateralism and to upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, fighting against unilateralism and protectionism, strengthening solidarity and cooperation in response to major challenges in jointly safeguarding world peace and promoting common development. Our Group recognizes that, particularly for countries in special situations, specifically Least Developing Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, Small Island Developing States and African countries, as well as specific challenges faced by many middle-income countries, conflict and post-conflict countries and countries and peoples living under foreign occupation, securing financing for the Sustainable Development Goals is essential for attaining the Goals.

Even as we address issues of financing for development, we in turn will amplify our own efforts towards making South-South and Triangular Cooperation a more active element of our SDG implementation mechanisms. In a matter of weeks, we will gather at the Third South Summit to set out the priorities and strategies that will guide the future work of our Group. I extend heartfelt thanks to the Government of Uganda for undertaking to host this important meeting.

Mr. President,

The importance of preserving our Oceans cannot be overemphasized, as this is linked to our very existence as a people and planet. In addition, the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction remain a priority for our Group. You can therefore count on our full engagement during the upcoming Second United Nations Ocean Conference and BBNJ negotiations.

Scientists and most governments agree that the world is facing an unprecedented environmental crisis with huge numbers of species on the brink of extinction. Global temperatures continue to rise. We look forward to these issues being given the attention that their urgency demands, especially in the forthcoming processes.

Mr. President,

The Group of 77 and China believes that development has to be achieved in tandem with peace and security. Issues of youth, migration, science, technology and innovation are all of paramount importance for our Group.

We look forward to joining forces with our partners, under the United Nations umbrella, to advance our common objectives in 2020. Our discussions this year under the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review (QCPR), as well as the review of the work of ECOSOC and the High-level Political Forum will, in our view, provide ample opportunity to address these priorities.

I thank you, Mr. President.