Honourable Co-facilitators,

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

2. We are grateful to you both for your able stewardship of this very important process, preparatory to the Follow-up International Conference on Financing for Development to Review the Implementation of the Monterrey Consensus.

3. The Group of 77 and China attaches high priority to the follow-up of the international development agenda embodied in the Monterrey Consensus, which outlined the comprehensive national and international policy actions required to achieve the internationally agreed development goals. We are, therefore, ready to engage actively and constructively in this process with a view to advancing the global discourse on financing for development and the implementation of the Monterrey Consensus.

Co-Chairs,

4. The recently concluded High Level Dialogue on Financing for Development catalyzed our preparations for a serious and meaningful review of the implementation of Monterrey and our endeavours to delineate a clear roadmap for future actions, based on the lessons learnt and the current and emerging realities. We hope to continue and further build on that momentum.

5. In the context of our consultations today, the Group of 77 and China would like to offer the following comments on the procedural aspects, listed by the co-facilitators for the draft resolution on Follow-up International Conference on Financing for Development to Review the Implementation of the Monterrey Consensus:

i. On date, the Group of 77 and China would like to defer the issue of the finalization of dates to the State of Qatar, the host of the Doha Review Conference, in line with the parameters set out in paragraph 1 of General Assembly Resolution 61/191.

ii. On the Conference Segments, the Group has a very strong preference for carrying out the review at the Summit level. This we see as critical to bring the much needed political visibility and highest level of engagement on the important issue of Financing for Development. The Group of 77 and China is of the view that it is only reasonable and logical to review at the Summit level the commitments made by the Heads of State and Government. Any other approach or level would send a misleading message on downgrading the importance of Monterrey, which must be avoided.

iii. On the Format, the Group favours a combination format of general debate and roundtables. The roundtables may be six in total and follow the six chapters of Monterrey for their thematic focus. The Group of 77 and China would also like to stress the need for allowing everyone equal and fair representation during the general debate and roundtables in terms of allocation of time. Similarly, in selecting the Co-chairs and Panelists for various roundtables, it is important to ensure adequate representation from the developing countries as well as equitable geographical representation. A special effort will also be needed to ensure full and effective participation by the developing countries particularly LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS in the Doha meeting.

iv. On the Modalities of the Preparatory Process, we would like to underscore the importance of adopting an inclusive and transparent preparatory process ensuring full and active participation by all member states. However, before pronouncing itself definitively on this important subject, the Group of 77 and China would like to request a full briefing by the Secretariat highlighting the differences between the two suggested approaches i.e. Preparatory Committee and the General Assembly Facilitation approach and what they would entail from the perspective of the member states in terms of participation and conference servicing.

v. The Group of 77 and China would also like to underscore the relevance of regional inputs for the preparatory process. In this regard, we would urge the Regional Economic Commissions to participate more closely and feed into the larger preparatory process from their respective regional perspectives.

vi. On the outcome, the Group of 77 and China strongly favours a negotiated outcome that facilitates the implementation of the commitments made at Monterrey. A negotiated outcome, we believe, would infuse new life and vigor to the Monterrey process besides ensuring that the outcome is fully owned and shared by everyone.

vii. On modalities for participation of relevant stakeholders, the Group of 77 and China would prefer using the same modalities as used for Monterrey.

6. In conclusion, let me on behalf of the Group of the 77 and China, assure you once again of our commitment and active engagement in advancing the global discourse on financing for development and to work towards a result oriented, negotiated and positive outcome of the Doha Conference.