Mr Chairman,

The Group of 77 and China would firstly like to express its support for the initiative you have taken to address cross-cutting issues in the resolutions.

We are expressing our support for this initiative bearing in mind the need for a clear understanding of the scope and mandate of this initiative.

In our understanding, this initiative on the cross-cutting issues is meant to address language issues without delving into the revitalisation or restructuring of the agenda of the Second Committee.

It is important for us that this point is clear.

In this regard, the Group of 77 and China would consider the following issues as constituting the scope for the initiative:

- Reference to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda), specific goals and targets;
- Reference to the Addis Ababa Action Agenda;
- Reference to the reporting to and agenda of the next session; and
- Reference to Observer States;

It is important that issues that constitute the revitalisation or reorganization of the Second Committee's agenda be left out of this initiative.

Coming to the "Food for thought" paper, Mr Chairman.

The Group of 77 and China takes note of the "Food for thought" paper on Reviewing and rationalizing the agenda of the Second Committee that you have compiled.

We would like to express our appreciation for the due consideration that has been given to some of the points we raised during the debate on the Second Committee's methods of work.

We appreciate the acknowledgement of the point we made during the last debate that the scope of the 2030 Agenda and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda is much broader than the Second Committee, and that other committees of the General Assembly, including the ECOSOC should be part of a broader and comprehensive undertaking of ensuring a better and balanced integration of the three dimensions of sustainable development.

Mr Chairman,

It is important for members of the Group that the task of "reviewing and rationalizing" the agenda and work of the Second Committee be undertaken in an organised, holistic and comprehensive approach.

We should avoid prejudging what or how the outcome of a revitalized agenda of the Second Committee will be. In the absence of agreement on any changes, it is important that we respect the status quo and refrain from giving signals that may lead to contradictory outcomes.

We would be supportive of the proposal to start a process of informal consultations in 2016. We would, however, still caution against rushing through an exercise that should be carried out in a manner that enriches the agenda of this Committee. We need to agree on the parameters of discussions for this process of informal consultations. In this connection, we need to have broad principles that will guide our work towards harmonising the work of the Committee with the 2030 Agenda.

The agenda of the Second Committee, whose main preoccupation is addressing development, is very important for the aspirations of the members of the Group of 77 and China. It is important therefore that whatever step we take emboldens rather than detract from this Committee's focus and engagement with development.

We look forward to working with you and the Bureau in enriching this Committee in its implementation and promotion of sustainable development.

Thank you.