Mr Chairman,

I have the honour of delivering these remarks on behalf of the members of the Group of 77 and China.

Our leaders have recently adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which, among other goals, boldly undertakes to "End poverty in all its forms everywhere!" The eradication of poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. And it needs to be seen in connection with combating inequality within and among countries, preserving the planet, including through combatting climate change, creating sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and fostering social inclusion.

This undertaking by our leaders is informed by a vision of a world that is free from the indignities that accompany poverty and need.

In his report on this matter, the Secretary-General notes that at a global level the world has managed to halve extreme poverty, but that progress has been uneven owing to a variety of reasons. He further points out that while employment is the key driver of poverty eradication, the slow and uneven recovery of the global economy has had a negative impact on labour markets especially in developing countries which have more restricted access to international financing.

The Group of 77 and China shares the same view and further stresses the need of Governments of developing countries to formulate their own development strategies in line with their national priorities and circumstances to assist the poor. Relevant policies and actions for such strategies include strong, sustained and inclusive economic growth, the generation of employment as a priority, universal and affordable access to basic services, well-designed social protection system, the empowerment of individuals to seize economic opportunities, and measures to ensure the protection of the environment.

Mr Chairman,

One of the major factors that has hampered efforts at eradicating poverty within our countries has been the inadequacy of resources and the appropriate means to do so. In this connection, the Group of 77 and China would like to again reiterate the importance of recognizing the diverse needs and challenges faced by countries in special situations, in particular African countries, least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), as well as the specific challenges facing middle-income countries (MICs).

We would therefore call for the significant mobilisation of resources and the provision of adequate and predictable means for developing countries to implement policies and programmes towards ending poverty in all its dimensions.

Ending poverty in all its forms and dimensions must also put emphasis on the efforts to end hunger and to achieve food security as a matter of priority and to end all forms of malnutrition. Therefore, resources should also be devoted to developing rural areas and sustainable agriculture and fisheries, supporting smallholder farmers, especially women farmers, herders and fishers in developing countries.

In providing access to and mobilization of resources, we would call for enhanced financial, technological and technical support to facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries. We also call for adequate assistance, technology transfer and financial resources for developing countries to develop their capacities to design and implement industrialization strategies and policies in accordance with their national priorities.

Mr Chairman,

The G77 and China contends that the fight for the eradication of poverty will not be won if there is continued marginalisation of women! Our new Agenda for Sustainable Development is based on the pledge to leave no one behind. Gender equality is of fundamental importance for achieving inclusive growth and poverty eradication. The clarion call to end poverty in all forms everywhere will continue to ring hollow if we do not ensure that women have equal access to education, skills, health care, social security, fundamental human rights, social and legal protection, including occupational safety and health, and decent work opportunities.

Our efforts to address the growing inequality within and across countries by promoting inclusive, equitable and job-rich economic growth must therefore be informed by development strategies and policy frameworks that are not only pro-poor but also promote the empowerment of women at national, regional and international levels.

Mr Chairman,

The effects of climate change pose a threat to the eradication of poverty. Those living in poverty are usually the most at risk from the adverse impacts of climate change. We therefore should forge international cooperation to address the threat posed by climate change and environmental degradation, including through sustainable consumption and production and sustainable management of natural resources. We should also work for an ambitious and universal climate agreement at the twenty-first session of the Conference of the Parties in Paris this December.

In conclusion, Mr Chairman,

It is our hope that we can get all hands on deck as we work towards fulfilling the bold undertaking of our leaders to eradicate poverty in all its forms everywhere especially through strategies that make for full and productive employment for everyone and strive for inclusive and equitable economic growth that empowers all the marginalized and vulnerable, especially women and youth.

Thank you!