Mr. Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

2. At the outset, allow me to extend our warmest congratulations to you, Mr. Chair, and the Bureau on your election. The Group assures you of its full support and cooperation.

3. The Group thanks the Secretary-General for the reports submitted under this agenda item, which provide critical insights into key aspects of social development.

4. The Group underscores the need to address social development within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Alongside persistent issues like poverty, inequality, and demographic changes, global challenges such as economic instability, youth unemployment, health crises, environmental threats, and unilateral measures further hinder progress. These combined obstacles require a concerted international effort.

Mr. Chair,

5. Nearly 30 years after the first World Summit for Social Development, where leaders established a vision centered on social justice, solidarity, and equality, significant progress remains uneven, with many gaps still present. The interconnected goals of poverty eradication, full employment, decent work, and social integration continue to demand an environment that supports their realization. The Group emphasizes that the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development should address the gaps and recommit to the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and the Programme of Action and its implementation and give momentum towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

6. This year, as we commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family, the Group acknowledges the critical role of the family in advancing social development. Strong family structures can support better education, healthcare, and overall social cohesion. Therefore, investing in family-oriented policies is essential for sustainable social development.

7. The Group notes with concern the challenges associated with ageing populations. In many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries. There is a need to strengthen social security systems, provide access to affordable healthcare that cater to the needs of older persons, enabling them to live in dignity.

8. Furthermore, the Group highlights the significance of promoting inclusive development for persons with disabilities. Efforts to advance disability inclusion in development strategies must continue, ensuring access to education, employment, and healthcare for persons with disabilities.

9. The Group reiterates that children are at the heart of sustainable development efforts. Protecting children's rights, including ensuring their access to education and healthcare, must be a priority for all. We must work together to eliminate child poverty, promote child welfare, and build systems that support the overall well-being of future generations.

Mr. Chair,

10. The Group thanks the Secretary-General for the comprehensive report on the role of information and digital technologies in advancing social development. Developing countries recognize the significant potential of information and digital technologies in advancing social development and achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. However, the persistent digital divides, especially in access, affordability, and digital literacy, remain major barriers for many developing nations. As highlighted in the Secretary-General's report, while internet coverage has expanded globally, many in rural and disadvantaged communities in developing nations remain offline due to high costs, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to devices. Addressing these challenges is critical to ensuring that developing countries can fully benefit from the opportunities presented by digital transformation.

11. We emphasize the urgent need for international cooperation and increased investment to bridge the digital divide, particularly for people living in poverty and disadvantaged communities. Ensuring affordable and meaningful digital connectivity, along with access to digital skills training, will be crucial for inclusive development. Furthermore, digital tools must be designed with users in mind, reflecting the needs and realities of developing countries, while protecting privacy and ensuring data security. The Group calls for enhanced international cooperation to, inter alia, eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions to ensuring that no one is left behind in this digital age.

12. As in previous sessions, the Group will submit several draft resolutions on key areas, including, the follow-up to the Second World Assembly on Ageing and the observance of the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family. We look forward to working with all Member States to ensure the successful adoption of these resolutions.

13. In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China stands ready to work collectively toward achieving the goals of social development, ensuring that no country is left behind.

Thank you.