GROUP OF 77
NAIROBI

Statement by H.E. Mr. Martin Gómez Bustillo, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to the Republic of Kenya, and Permanent Representative to UNEP, UN-HABITAT and UNON, Chairperson of the Group of 77, Nairobi Chapter, at the 136° Committee of Permanent Representatives to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNON, Nairobi, 29 September 2016)

Madam Chairperson,
Executive Director,
Distinguished Delegates,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

First and foremost, allow me to extend our Group's warmest welcome to the Executive Director to UNEP, Mr. Erik Solheim, and wish you every success in your new appointment. Rest assure of our full support and cooperation during your tenure.

I would also like to express the Group's appreciation to the report delivered by the Executive Director which will certainly help to enrich our deliberations.

Madam Chairperson,

We are about to start a new period where the CPR should focus on the follow-up of UNEA 2, the implementation of the 25 adopted resolutions and on the preparation for UNEA 3.

In this regard, we welcome the document "Lessons learnt from UNEA 2 and way forward to UNEA 3" which compiles the views and suggestions made by regional groups and Member States regarding the challenges we need to overcome in order to have a successful next UNEA session.

The Group believes that the document is a useful guideline that will help to set a road map for CPR members, and between them and UNEP's Secretariat.

The road map, which should take into account the key recommendations present in the document "Lessons learnt (…)", should stress on the need of:

- Strengthening the procedures and governance of the Assembly. A review of the Rules of Procedures and adequate legal advice are essential;
- Improving communication and convergence of work between CPR Bureau and UNEA Bureau;
- Guaranteeing transparency and consultations with regional and political groups in the selection of the chairs of the COW, working groups and in the negotiating and decision-making process.
- Enhancing an interactive and effective Ministerial Dialogue and High Level Segment;
- Facilitating the distribution of working and final documents to all Member State in due time with their corresponding translation; among others.

Madam Chairperson,

The Group of 77 and China finally wishes to welcome all inputs provided by Member States towards the development of a follow-up process of UNEA 2 and the preparation of a successful UNEA 3. This is the moment to revitalize our commitment to work together in a constructive spirit.

It is, therefore, imperative to bear in mind that in order to embark on our common journey towards sustainable development, the principles of universality and inclusiveness must not be forgotten and that the work from Member States and specialized agencies, in this case UNEP, should be coherently aligned with the SDGs and 2030 Agenda.

I thank you for your attention.