H.E. Dr. Chola Milambo, Permanent Representative of Zambia,
H.E. Ms. Anna Karin Enestrom, Permanent Representative of Sweden,
Excellencies,

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

At the outset, the Group would like to express appreciation for the efforts of the co-facilitators in preparing this action-oriented, coherent and well-structured zero draft, which took into consideration some of the Group inputs. The Group also welcomes the inclusion of measurable commitments and concrete deliverables in the draft.

Regarding the timeline outlined by the co-facilitators indicating that the first reading of the draft will take place on 12 April, the Group requests the postponement of the first reading to allow delegations to have enough time to consult with capitals and the Group to coordinate its position on the draft, especially given the detailed and technical nature of the draft.

On the substance of the zero draft, the Group would like to make the following comments:

1- The idea of provision of means of implementation to developing countries, including capacity building and knowledge and technology transfer, needs to be strengthened further throughout the text, and to be considered a cross-cutting aspect in all objectives. Without that, it would be challenging for developing countries to reach the different goals and targets set out in the draft.

2- The Group observes excessive caveating of technology transfer language, namely by using "voluntary" and "on mutually agreed terms", that goes beyond the 2030 Agenda, which is unacceptable to the Group.

3- The Group is encouraged to see the mapping between the different commitments and the SDGs throughout the text and will take a closer look at these linkages and the balance between the various SDGs in the draft.

4- The Group appreciates the inclusion of a stand-alone section on "advancing equitable international data governance", since this is a priority for the Group. On the cluster on cross-border data flows, the Group reiterates the importance of strengthening international cooperation to enable cross-border data flows to maximize development gains in mutually beneficial ways, and of having orderly data flows in line with international law.

5- The Group reiterates that the GDC should contribute to fostering an open, fair, inclusive, and non-discriminatory environment for digital development, and appreciates that the zero draft included the principles such as "Inclusive", "Development-focused", "Accessible and interoperable", and "Innovation-friendly".

6- On emerging technologies, including AI, the Group reiterates the importance of inclusive and equal participation by all countries, and ensuring a leading role for the UN in AI governance. We believe that the proposals in the draft are a good basis. It is also crucial to provide capacity building and technology and knowledge transfer to developing countries in this regard to allow for harnessing AI for sustainable development.

7- The GDC should be a catalyst for more equitable access to digital and emerging technologies and their peaceful uses. At the same time, it must take into account the impact of increasing digitalization, AI and emerging technologies on labor and employment.

8- The Group considers that there should be a clearer depiction of the relationship and linkages between the WSIS and the GDC in the text.

9- The draft contains a large number of commitments under each objective without explicit clarification as to who will be responsible for them. Developing countries will require support to implement commitments.

10- The follow-up and review section of the draft contains quite a number of new proposals, which will require further examination. However, the Group affirms that in following up and reviewing future progress of the GDC we would need to ensure respect for national sovereignty of states and for governments' leadership in this regard, and in public policy issues pertaining to the Internet and the digital space.

11- The Group would have appreciated more emphasis in the text on some of the existing obstacles that developing countries face in accessing digital technologies and innovation, including UCMs.

12- The Group reiterates its position that proposals for establishing new mechanisms or entities should only be discussed or considered if they fill existing gaps, or effectively complement or reinforce existing arrangements to strengthen digital governance, particularly given their budgetary implications and in light of the current liquidity challenges.

13- The Group notes that there are specific commitments and measurable goals mentioned in the draft selectively and would appreciate further clarification on the sources and rationale as to how they were chosen.
        
We reaffirm our commitment to actively engage in this important process.

Thank You