Madame Chair
More than ever before the United Nations system needs to be able to respond more effectively to the changing developmental needs of Member States in this, the twenty-first century. In particular, it is imperative that we succeed in mainstreaming development as the central pillar into the United Nations agenda.

It is incumbent on all Member States to contribute towards an enabling international environment for development. This requires an enhanced political will to assist developing countries to realize the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals.

The position of the Group of 77 and China on the need for follow-up to the International Conference on Financing for Development remains consistent and we will once again reiterate the call on developed countries for decisive action on each and every one of the commitments that have been made at the major United Nations summits and conferences in the economic, social and related fields.

The full and timely implementation of these commitments will contribute to the full realization of the right to development, an issue that the Group of 77 and China considers to be sacrosanct.

The Group of 77 and China wishes to encourage all of the Heads of the Bretton Woods Institutions, the WTO and UNCTAD, respectively, to do everything possible to ensure that they, and all relevant members of the senior management of their respective organizations, personally avail themselves of future opportunities to engage in a meaningful dialogue, under the auspices of the United Nations General Assembly and in future special meetings on the issue of the follow-up to the International Conference on Financing for Development rather than running the unfortunate risk that they be perceived to be paying inadequate attention to development which is a priority for all.

The Group of 77 and China believes that participation by the appropriate senior representatives of these organizations will in large part enhance the impact of future such special meetings of the General Assembly, including ensuring appropriate participation by Member States. This issue is important enough for us all to demonstrate our commitment to making progress.

The Group of 77 and China accepts that there are issues pertaining to financing for development which are being determined beyond outside the realm of the United Nations specifically in the areas of trade and finance. However, as the primary intergovernmental organization in which developing countries have equal voice and participation, the United Nations must play a significant role in shaping the global economic environment.

Madame Chair

In resolution 60/265 we also called for the efficient use of monitoring and follow-up mechanisms to ensure that these commitments and actions are effectively implemented.  In this regard the challenge before us is one of implementation. We need to review the implementation of and identify ways in which we can build on the elements of the Monterrey Consensus. For this to be realized we need to adhere to paragraph 73 of the Monterrey Consensus which calls for a follow up international conference to review implementation. The will provide us with a timely opportunity for stock-taking both in terms of our achievements and the requirements for full implementation.

In General Assembly resolution 60/188 we decided to commence the preparatory process as well as to decide on an exact date of the follow up conference during the 61st session. More importantly we welcomed the generous offer from the State of Qatar to host the Follow-up Conference on Financing For Development. In this regard the Group of 77 and China reiterates its position that this should be held next year. We hope that this will be preceded by thorough preparations, which must be open, inclusive and transparent.

I thank you