GROUP OF 77
NAIROBI

Statement by Mr. Zerubabel G. Tefera, Deputy Permanent Representative to UNEP, UN-HABITAT, and UNON, on behalf of the Chairperson of the Group of 77 Chapter in Nairobi, at the 142nd Meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to the United Nations Environment Program (UNON, Nairobi, 10 May 2018)

Mr. Chairperson,
Ambassadors and High Commissioners,
Executive Director,
Distinguished representatives,

I am honored to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China at the 142nd Meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to the United Nations Environment Program.
First and foremost, the Group of 77 and China commends and congratulates all Member States, the President of the Assembly, the Executive Director and the Secretariat for reaching an agreement on the theme for Forth United Nations Environment Assembly.

The Group of 77 and China welcomes the consensus reached and commends its Members and others for their constructive engagement that made possible the agreed upon theme, which our group strongly believes that it will play a constructive role in elevating the Forth United Nations Environmental Assembly to a higher level.

Mr. Chairperson,

Ethiopian Permanent Representation to the UNoN, as per the invitation from the President of the UN Environment Assembly in its capacity as the Chair of Group of 77 and China of the Nairobi Chapter, took part in the negotiation of the theme for the Fourth United Nations Environmental Assembly. The Group of 77 notes an agreement on a theme entitled "Innovative Solutions for Environmental Challenges and Sustainable Consumption and Production", by consensus, in accordance with and mandated by the Decision 3/2 of the Third session of the UN Environment Assembly.

Mr. Chairperson,

The Group of 77 commends the Secretariat for successive briefings on the progress in the Clean Seas Campaign on Marine Littre. The Group also takes note and appreciates secretariat's update contribution of the UN Environment Assembly to the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. In this regard, the Group of 77 noted the draft document prepared by the Secretariat embraces the notion of partnership at a general level and provided a relevant yet comprehensive inputs into the to the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

Mr. Chairperson,

During 141st Meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives, the Group of 77 and China took note and appreciates the Secretariat's update on the implementation of the resolution on Marine Plastic Litter and Microplastics and the proposed implementation plan. In this connection, convinced of the fact that such arrangements contribute to the UNEP's effort to better implement and better follow up resolutions and decisions, the Group of 77 requested the Secretariat to follow the same path in providing implementation update and implementation plan for the remaining resolutions. I would like to request, through our Chair, the Secretariat to provide any update in this regard.

Mr. Chairperson,

The Group of 77 and China encourages all Member states to show flexibility on determining the structure of the 4th Environment Assembly. The Group of 77 and China encourages its members, other political groups and the secretariat to capitalize on the gains so far as we embrace flexibility in this regard.

Mr. Chairperson,

The Group also wishes to thank the Secretariat for the briefing and its fruitful efforts regarding the World Environment Day that is going to be celebrated in India. In this connection, the Group congratulates the Government of India for hosting this year's celebration and wish the organizers success.

I thank you!