Mr. President of the General Assembly Madam President of ECOSOC Excellencies,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the G77 and China.

The Group welcomes the joint briefing by the presidents of the General Assembly and ECOSOC which demonstrates a close cooperation by the two main bodies of the UN necessary to promote the mandates of international cooperation in the economic and social fields.

Excellencies,

2023 was a year of challenges for developing countries. The ongoing wars leading to an increase in displaced people and refugees, persistent socio- economic consequences and negative effects of Covid 19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, the adverse effects of climate change, the continued application of unilateral coercive measures, growing digital divide, financial crisis, growing global food insecurity, among others have impacted the progress of achieving the SDGs by 2030.

To tackle these challenges, multilateralism and international cooperation are some of the relevant tools needed and the group reaffirms its full support to the strengthening of the multilateral system, particularly of the UN system.

In this regard, the summit of the future is an opportune time to build a world where no one is left behind. The group of 77 and China will constructively participate in the negotiations on the chapter 1, 3 and the sections on beyond GDP and the reform of the International Financial Architecture. You can fully count on the Group's support.

On climate change, the agenda must be fully and faithfully implemented in accordance with the principle of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. The Group urges the full implementation of the decisions adopted during the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, including the contribution of more than 700 million USD to the loss and damage fund to address the losses and damages associated to the effects of climate change in developing countries. The Group also looks forward to the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund and its adequate resourcing.

Excellencies,

As a matter of priority we are committed to the eradication of poverty, ending hunger, achieving food security, ending all forms of malnutrition while leaving no one behind. We call for the support of the work by FAO, the IFAD and the WFP including the provision of emergency food supplies, to over 250 million people in food distress.

On the growing digital divide, the group pledges to participate in the negotiations that will lead to the development of a global digital compact through an open, transparent and inclusive intergovernmental process. Emphasis on digital cooperation and commitment to universal and meaningful digital connectivity as well as affordable and equitable access to broad band to bridge the digital divide will contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and will enhance technology transfer and capacity building all crucial to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

In the course of the resumed session of the 78th General Assembly the G77 and China will participate and contribute to the upcoming flagship project of your presidency scheduled in April 2024 during the sustainability week with emphasis on sustainable development in the areas of transport, infrastructure, energy and tourism.

The G77 and China will participate and contribute to the fourth Conference on small and developing States ( SIDS4) which will take place in May 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda. The Group will also participate in the third international conference of the LLDCs in Kigali in 2024 which will be an opportunity to renew our commitments to this group of countries in special situations with the adoption of a ten-year action programme that responds to their concrete needs and priorities. The group reiterates its recognition of the special development needs and challenges of LLDCs arising from their landlockedness, remoteness from world markets and geographical constraints. These impediments impose serious constraints on export earnings, private capital inflow and domestic resource mobilization and therefore adversely affect their overall sustainable development.

In addition, the G77 and China will participate in the major events, including the Forum on Financing for Development follow-up, and the High-Level Political Forum. These events are critical in following up on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Excellencies,

In conclusion the G77 and China pledge to work closely with the office of the President of the General Assembly and ECOSOC to strength multilateralism towards a more peaceful and prosperous global community.

I thank you.