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 G77 and China appreciates the work done by the co-Chairs of the Preparatory Committee towards the adoption by consensus of the draft outcome document for the Fourth International Conference on SIDS.

The Group had the honor to collectively have the responsibility to present also SIDS´ positions, during the negotiation process and in this regard, stands now proud of the tremendous work done by the delegation of Samoa, Chair of AOSIS, in coordinating the G77 and China.

SIDS entered the negotiations with high aspirations as a special case for development and the expectation of understanding, solidarity and support for their main needs and priorities in charting the path towards resilient prosperity for a bold Programme of Action for the next ten years.

However, the G77 and China regrets that obstacles presented in the cut and thrust of the initial negotiations, permeated throughout and served to temper rather than support the deliverables and prioritized needs of SIDS in their vision for sustainable development in the three dimensions.
 
Ironically and dissapointingly, those who claimed understanding, support and show of solidarity for SIDS´s main interests were not always evident, in the discussions.

Climate change remains a major challenge that SIDS face in the course of their sustainable development.

In this regard, the G77 and China reaffirms the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as the main agreement for discussing and finding solutions to this particular issue. The Paris Agreement, which is an element adopted within the framework of that Convention recognize the historical responsibilities that developed countries have in mitigation and in the provision of means of implementation to developing countries, including SIDS.

Therefore, the G77 and China regrets this document does not address, explicitly, the linkage between the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, which was adopted under the Convention and therefore forms an integral part of the framework established by the Convention. The G77 and China regrets, that developed countries were neglecting their obligations under the Convention and the Paris Agreement by putting obstacles to stronger languages in this regard, presented by the group and also on behalf of SIDS.

To ensure this clarity, it would have been our preference to have the agreed footnote reflected throughout text. However, it is the Group's understanding that the agreed footnote included at the first reference of the Paris Agreement applies to all of its references through out the document.

SIDS have particular and unique vulnerabilities. SIDS have also the right to development and the right to provide a sustainable and sustained wellbeing for their peoples. Yet, it is deeply concerning that on almost every occasion SIDS are forced to compromise their interests, due to a lack of political will of our development partners. The international community, particularly developed countries, must be ashamed every time SIDS are willing to compromise in any of their interests.

Developed countries with a historical record of a colonialist past and present records of unsustainable production and consumption patterns, waste, including food, water and resources in general, must show their true solidarity with SIDS.

As the group expressed at the beginning of this process, the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Antigua and Barbuda is a unique opportunity for the international community to show solidarity and support for SIDS. It is our sincere hope that it remains so.

The G77 and China looks forward to the Conference and the related events that will take place in Antigua and Barbuda. The Group celebrates with SIDS the advancements in their sustainable development since the Barbados Programme of Action and reaffirms its solidarity in their fight for what is remaining.

Thank you.