Excellencies,
Distinguished Representatives,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Mr. Chairman,

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

2. The Group of 77 and China appreciates that SBSTA initiated reconsideration of the work areas of the Nairobi Work Programme on Impacts, Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change. We want a more relevant and effective work programme to be launched by moving beyond partnerships and taking concrete adaptation action on to the ground, so far which is missing. We expect that after receiving parties' submissions, technical paper and recommendations of the Adaptation Committee, SBSTA at its 39th session could agree on draft decisions on Nairobi Work Programme for adoption at the COP 19 in Warsaw.

Mr. Chairman,

3. On agenda items 4 and 5, regarding policy approaches and policy incentives for the reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries, we are pleased to see the progress achieved on methodological issues and the identification of the way forward on some of its most sensitive elements. Also, in the recognition that non-market-based approaches, are important to implement the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70.

4. However, the failure to open the work of the SBI meant as well that the joint process on coordination of support and institutional arrangements for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries under agenda item 5 could not go further than a workshop, as we had hoped to. The direct consequence is that this session did not address properly the priorities of developing countries with regard to this matter, namely, scaling up finance and increasing the coordination of its delivery. This unbalance must be corrected in our following session, and we respectfully request this to be addressed in the organization of our work in Warsaw.

5. The Group of 77 and China welcomes the draft conclusions on Agenda Item 7 on Research and Systematic Observations. The Group of 77 and China reiterates its support for the research dialogue and recognizes its contribution in enhancing communication between the science communities and policy makers. In this regard, the Group of 77 and China thank the IPCC and the research organization for their participation in the recent research dialogue.

Mr. Chairman,

6. The Group of 77 and China also welcomes the workshop to consider information on the technical and scientific aspects of coastal marine ecosystems. These workshops are important to discuss updated information on emergent scientific findings.

7. The Group of 77 and China also commends the work done on the UNFCCC website in enhancing the availability and visibility of scientific information produced by the international and regions research programmes and organizations under the Convention.

Mr. Chairman,

8. The G77 and China reaffirms the importance of the forum on the impact of the implementation of response measures at the Subsidiary Bodies and its work program to address these impacts. In particular, we welcome the activities that took place in these sessions in the areas of the work program related to the assessment of impacts; the just transition of the workforce; economic diversification; and modelling. In addition, as mandated by decision 1.CP.18, we also look forward to sharing views in the forum on policy issues of concern, such as unilateral measures.

9. In this respect, we attach great importance to this issue as all developing country Parties will be affected by negative economic and social consequences of response measures taken by developed country Parties. Therefore, we reaffirm the need for the forum to take full consideration of the specific needs and concerns of developing country Parties arising from the impact of the implementation of response measures, in accordance with the provisions and principles of the Convention. In this regard, the focus of the next activities of the forum should address specifically how developed countries Parties are minimizing the adverse economic and social effects of their response measures on developing countries Parties.

Mr. Chairman,

10. As for agriculture and the related issues in agenda item 10, The G77 and China has been so cooperative in the constructive work during this very session that lead to an instrumental set of conclusions. Such conclusions reflect the particularities of agriculture, in terms of its relation to food security and the fundamental importance of agriculture for social and economic development and rural development, in particular for developing countries, where a large proportion of the population depends on agriculture for its livelihood.

11. In a context of the need to feed a world growing population in the coming decades, there will be a need to produce food in different climate conditions. To this end, it will be necessary to increase the adaptive capacity of agriculture. Hence, the need to work on adaptation and agriculture is crucial, a fact that needs to be reflected in the forthcoming submissions and a workshop to explore the needs of survival and sustainable development for all related activities and all involved farmers in our developing countries.

12. On the issues relating to agriculture, we stress that the focus of discussions must remain on adaptation, which is the key priority in developing countries in light of the linkages of agricultural sector with livelihood of millions, food security and poverty alleviation. Needless to add, these should be done under the principles of the Convention, including CBDR.

Mr. Chairman,

13. The G77 and China reiterates the Importance of supporting multilateral solutions when addressing the issue of emissions from the international maritime and civil aviation sectors working through the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), respectively, while taking into account the principles and provisions of the Convention and not on the basis of unilateral measures.

Mr. Chairman,

14. Regarding item 12, the Group considers that the questions agreed will enrich further discussions for SBSTA 39.

15. On the framework for various approaches the Group agreed that it is important that the work program define and clarify the purpose of the framework and the scope of approaches to be included under it. The Group is of the view that the framework should be elaborated under the authority and guidance of the COP.

Mr. Chairman,

16. The Group of 77 and China looks forward to continuing engaging constructively in the design of the FVA, new-market mechanism and non-market-based approaches. Also, the Group recognizes that non-market-bases approaches are means of crucial importance to ensure the implementation of the ultimate objective of the Convention, according to its principles and provisions.

17. We stress that the discussions on new market mechanism and non-market mechanisms must be framed in the context of framework of various approaches These mechanisms should focus on climate change and not become a mere source of revenue.

Mr. Chairman,

18. In agenda items under SBSTA where conclusions have mandated further workshops, we must ensure to the extent possible, balanced representation to ensure effective participation of developing country Parties in such workshops. These workshops must be open to all Parties and scheduled to avoid undue overlaps, particularly with, respect to country group meetings. The organization of such workshops must provide the necessary support to ensure effective participation of developing country Parties.

19. The workshops should allow for expression of a range of views to ensure that developing countries' perspectives are reflected.

20. Parties should be informed ahead of time of the themes to be dealt with in these workshops to ensure transparency, openness and inclusiveness.

Mr. Chairman,

21. Group of G77 and China appreciates the efforts by all Parties during this session to achieve progress on the clarification of Developed Country Parties' emission reduction targets as mandated in Doha, although the progress is not as significant as desired. We have high expectation of fully fulfillment of the mandate with a view to ensuring the comparability of efforts among developed country Parties, and look forward to working constructively with all.

Mr. Chairman,

22. Recognizing the importance of the work of other subsidiary bodies for progress in this working group, the Group of 77 and China wishes to express its disappointment and deep concern at the inability of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation to begin the work of its 38th session. This delay has the potential to profoundly impact the progress of the work under the SBSTA. The Group of 77 and China calls on the Chair of the SBI, relevant bodies under the Convention and Parties to resolve this impasse prior to the start of the 39th session of the SBI.

23. We need to be conscious of the fact that progress of work in SBSTA is important for our progress in the post-2020 period and for the work in the ADP.

I thank you Mr. Chairman.