Distinguished Co-Chairs of the Preparatory Committee, Excellencies,

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

The Group wishes to share its appreciations to the work conducted by the Permanent Representatives of the Maldives and New Zealand as co-Chairs of the Preparatory Committee.

Since last session of the PrepCom we have made good process regarding the discussions on the Outcome Document for the Conference, entitled "Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS".

The Group shares its commitment to continue working constructively in the negotiating process with the outmost interest on achieving "a Renewed Declaration for Resilient Prosperity".

Distinguished Co-Chairs,

SIDS remain a "special case" for sustainable development in view of their unique and particular vulnerabilities, including their small size, remoteness, narrow resource and export base, external economic shocks, and exposure to global environmental challenges, including to a large range of impacts from climate change and more frequent and intense natural disasters.

As reflected in different scenarios in the UN, the international community has recognize SIDS particularities as countries in special situations alongside with other group of countries.

The Fourth International Conference is the perfect opportunity to collectively build on how developed countries will contribute to mitigating the impact of these special circumstances on SIDS.

It is an opportunity to hear from the SIDS themselves on the areas in which they believe efforts should be focused, and on the challenges and remaining challenges of the Barbados Programme of Action and its Mauritius Strategy and Samoa Pathway.

The Fourth Conference is the continuation of a process that has not yet achieved its main objective: the sustainable development of Small Island Developing States.

In different scenarios, the G77 and China have provided solutions to the challenges that developing countries face in achieving the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs. The reform of the financial architecture, the provision of means of implementation, technology transfer, financing and capacity building, the comprehensive resolution of the debt problem, the fulfillment of ODA commitments by developed countries, and the implementation of the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement, among others, are aspects that the group has also promoted for the benefit of SIDS.

Distinguished Co-Chairs,

Finally, the Group of 77 and China reaffirms its solidarity and support for our brothers and sisters of SIDS and reiterates its commitment to continue working closely for their sustainable development, which is also our own.

Thank you.